Clouded Leopard

Vulnerable

Neofelis nebulosa

Size: 3 feet long plus a 3 foot tail, 10 - 16" to the shoulder. Males: 45 - 60 pounds, Females: 25 - 30 pounds.

Lifespan: 11 - 19 years in zoos

Range/Habitat: Southeast Asia in tropical rainforest, and sometimes in grassland, scrubland or wetlands.

Little is known about the clouded leopard, and it’s habitat makes it difficult to study. We do know that they are great swimmers and may have actually populated islands off of Vietnam and Borneo by swimming from the mainland to the islands. They are mostly nocturnal and arboreal. Clouded Leopards will climb trees to avoid danger during the day while they rest and to ambush their prey by dropping from above and delivering one fatal bite.

Conservation Concerns:

Clouded Leopards are uncommon due to their solitary nature and limited range. They are threatened by habitat loss to logging, and are hunted for food, ancient medicines, and their coats. There are attempts to protect these animals through national and international legislation as we learn more about them.