Did You Know These 8 Interesting Facts About The Clouded Leopard?

OT Staff

There Are Two Species

There are two species of clouded leopards: the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi). Both are separate species of wild cat and are not part of the leopard family.

Cubs from the Neofelis nebulosa species of clouded leopard | Shutterstock

They Are Named For Their Distinctive Appearance

The clouded leopard is named after the distinctive "clouds" on its coat. Its spots are partially edged in black, with the insides a darker colour than the background colour of the pelt.

The fur of a clouded leopard | Shutterstock

Their Habitat Ranges Across Asia

The clouded leopard is found in Nepal, Bangladesh and Assam, from Indochina to Sumatra and Borneo, and northeastward to southern China. They prefer to live in lowland tropical rainforests.

A rainforest in Borneo | Shutterstock

They Are Carnivores

Like all wild cats, clouded leopards are carnivores. Their chief prey are gibbons, macaques, slow loris, small deer, and wild boars, which they ambush from the trees or stalk from the ground.

Clouded leopards prey on slow loris (seen here) | Shutterstock

They Cannot Roar Or Purr

Due to a different bone structure in their neck, the clouded leopard cannot roar like larger cats and cannot purr because they lack the bone that allows small cats this ability.

Clouded leopards can hiss, meow and growl | Shutterstock

They Live Solitary Lives

Clouded leopards live solitary lives with the exception of mothers and their cubs. The average life span of the clouded leopard is 12 to 15 years in the wild.

A clouded leopard cub | Shutterstock

They Are The State Animal Of Meghalaya

The clouded leopard is the state animal of Meghalaya and can be found across the state, particularly in undisturbed stretches of forests.

A clouded leopard on a tree | Shutterstock

They Are A Vulnerable Species

Both clouded leopard species are classified as “Vulnerable” by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The greatest threats are habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal poaching.

Clouded leopards have long canine teeth | Shutterstock

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