Species of the Week

Clouded Leopard,  Sabah

Clouded leopards, Neofelis nebulosa are a medium-seized (25-50lbs), secretive cat that roams the forests of Asia. There are several sub species and  recent genetic testing suggests two distinct species of clouded leopards.  The Borneo and Sumatra cat's are believed to have diverged 1.5 million years ago from mainland Asian cat's as a result of geographic isolation.  The population of clouded leopards is decreasing and is listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.  Of primary concern is the loss of habitat and illegal wildlife trade.  The habitat of the clouded leopard is undergoing some of the fastest deforestation rates in the world especially in Indonesia according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These cat's are also hunted for their skins, bones and live pet trade.  For a list of ways you could help, click on the link below.

For more information:
The Clouded Leopard Project
Buckley-Beason, Valerie A. et. al. Molecular Evidence for Species-Level Distinction in Clouded Leopards. 
State of the World's Forests 2007 Asia and The Pacific
How to help