About Clouded Leopards

Clouded leopards are found across Southeast Asia, from the Himalayas to islands. Home range countries forBangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysa, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and on the islands of Borneo, Sumatra, and possibly Batu.

The population in Vietnam is currently unknown, but is thought to be extinct.

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There are actually two distinct species of clouded leopard: Indochinese and Sunda. As the name suggests, Indochinese cats are found on the continent of Asia, while the Sunda species is found on the Sunda islands or Sumatra and Borneo. There is also evidence to suggest they may be on the Batu island, but no visuals have been seen yet. These two species are very similar, but the island species has a darker coat with smaller markings and bigger teeth. 

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Infographic: Peppermint Narwhal

Clouded leopards have amazing adaptations to help them succeed in their environments.

 

They are one of the most arboreal species of cats, spending much of their time in the trees. They have short legs, large feet with specialized paw pads, and tails that are as long as their bodies to use for balance. Their rear ankles can rotate, making clouded leopards one of very few cat species that can climb headfirst down a tree, like a squirrel! They are also able to climb upside down under branches, as well as hang from just their hind feet while their front paws reach for prey. 

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They have the longest canine teeth in relation to their body size of any cat. Their canines can be just as big as those of a tiger, even though tigers are ten times their size. To accommodate those large teeth, clouded leopards also have the largest gape, or the ability to open their mouths about 100 degrees. Lions have a gape of about 65 degrees. 

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The two biggest threats to clouded leopards are loss of habitat and the illegal wildlife trade.

 

Clouded leopards live in parts of the world with the fastest rate of deforestation. It's estimated that they have lost 34% of their usable habitat between 2000 and 2018. Forests are clear cut for human use, especially for oil palm plantations and major roadways.

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As their forest homes shrink and become increasingly fragmented, it becomes much harder for clouded leopards to find the resources that they need in order to survive, including other individuals for breeding and genetic diversity.

Clouded leopards, like many cat species, are illegally hunted. They are hunted specifically for trade as their teeth, bones and other body parts are used in traditional medicine, while their beautiful coats are used for decoration.  

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Unfortunately, clouded leopards often find themselves the incidental victims of snare traps set out to catch bushmeat, the food they eat. Though not the intended target, these individuals are often sold on the black market or into the illegal wildlife trade at a very high value.

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There is still much to learn about both Indochinese and Sunda clouded leopards. In order to do so, it is imperative that we work to protect remaining populations.  

 

There are many things that can be done: increased habitat conservation, creation of wildlife corridors connecting populations, enforcement of laws protecting wildlife and practicing sustainable agriculture would all make huge differences for clouded leopards and other species. Promoting awareness is an essential part of galvanizing those efforts.