Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is a nocturnal and discreet feline that lives mainly in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, from the Himalayas to Indonesia, passing through Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. This species takes its name from its unique coat, spotted with rosettes and cloudy markings that resemble nebulae, hence its nickname. Its elegant appearance and reserved behavior give it a mysterious aura.
Conservation and threats
The clouded leopard’s coat varies from pale gray to golden, with dark rosettes bordered in black and small circles of light color inside. These patterns help the animal camouflage itself in its dense and wooded environment, where it hunts mainly in ambush. It has a smaller silhouette than other large felines, with a body length varying between 70 and 110 cm, and a tail that can reach 90 cm. It generally weighs between 15 and 25 kg, with males being slightly heavier than females.
Conservation and threats
The clouded leopard is an excellent climber, capable of moving with ease in trees thanks to its retractable claws and long, prehensile tail, which it uses to balance. It hunts prey such as birds, monkeys, small deer and rodents, and is also known for capturing prey in trees, where it can carry its catch to hide it, away from other predators.
Habitat and distribution
This feline is a solitary and territorial species, which generally lives alone, except during the breeding season or when a mother is raising her young. The clouded leopard is mainly nocturnal, which reinforces its discretion in the forest.
Conservation and threats
This species is currently classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN. The loss of its habitat due to deforestation and illegal exploitation of forests, as well as poaching for its fur and hunting of its natural prey, constitute the main threats facing it.
Additional information
Fewer than 10,000 individuals remain in the wild.
