Genetic analysis of hair samples of the two Neofelis species indicates that they diverged 1.4 million years ago. Although population numbers are thought to be lower outside protected areas, their populations are probably healthiest in Borneo because of the absence of tigers and leopards. Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008, PO Box 37012 It costs 1000 ZC to breed one pair. When balancing on thin branches, they use their long tails to steer. [29] In Manas National Park, 16 individuals were recorded during a survey in November 2010 to February 2011. They are reported to be nocturnal and to live in trees; they prey on birds and on small mammals, such as pigs and monkeys. Primates and small ungulates constitute their staple prey. Interesting Facts About the Clouded Leopard. [39], The clouded leopard is a solitary cat. Specialized anklebones allow varied position for climbing, including climbing headfirst down trees. A clouded leopard was photographed only once during the sampling effort. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... …its smaller relative, the rare clouded leopard (. [56], The Rukai people of Taiwan considered the hunting of clouded leopards a taboo. Due to a different bone structure in their neck, the clouded leopard cannot roar like the larger cats, but also cannot purr because it lacks the fully ossified hyoid bone that allows small cats this ability. The breeding pair was brought from the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand in an ongoing education and research exchange program. Kittens are independent by nine months of age. down tree trunks headfirst, hang from branches with its hind feet, and travel across horizontal branches while hanging beneath them. Its hind limbs are longer than its front limbs to allow for increased jumping and leaping capabilities. Its total population is suspected to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, with a decreasing population trend, and no single population numbering more than 1,000 adults. The male clouded leopard may attain a length of about 106 cm (42 inches) excluding the 90-cm tail, a shoulder height of about 80 cm, and a weight of about 23 kg (50 pounds); the female is smaller. [18], Its skull is long and low with strong occipital and sagittal crests. While all species of cats are classified as one family, the Felidae, genetic research has shown the clouded leopard to be most closely related to the large cat species. [34], In Myanmar, it was recorded by camera-traps for the first time in the hill forests of Karen State in 2015. With this in mind, male and female compatibility has been deemed extremely important when attempting breeding in captivity. [55] In May 2015, four cubs were born in Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Captive clouded leopards have been observed to scent mark by spraying urine and rubbing their heads on prominent objects. Felis macrosceloides proposed by Brian Houghton Hodgson in 1841 was a clouded leopard specimen from Nepal. They are reported to be nocturnal and to live in trees; they prey on birds and on small mammals, such as pigs and monkeys. The Leopard rests and sleeps in the trees. Like many cats, clouded leopards have various reproductive challenges. [3] It is the state animal of the Indian state of Meghalaya. 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The Leopard hunts in the early morning and from the late afternoon into the evening. Clouded leopards roam the hunting grounds of Asia from the rain forests of Indonesia to the foothills of the Nepali Himalayas. Two large blotches of dark dusky-grey hair on the side of the shoulders are each emphasized posteriorly by a dark stripe, which passes on to the foreleg and breaks up into irregular spots. Females are slightly smaller than males.

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