Then…. Their body length is between 27 and 30 inches, with a tail that is an additional 24 to 32 inches in length. It was first described in 1862 on the basis of a traded skin with an incomplete tail. If you like what you read, support us The leopard dashes forward and takes down its victim with a bite to the throat or neck. The pupils of the clouded leopard’s eyes are different from any other cat’s pupils: they never get fully round like a big cat’s pupils do, yet they never shrink to vertical slits like a small cat’s pupils do. They are able to climb trees, even when carrying heavy prey, and often choose to rest on tree branches during the day. The Formosan clouded leopard was a clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) population that was endemic to Taiwan. The leopard primarily makes home in the foothills of Himalaya. This beautiful wild cat can be found only in the Southeast Asia: in Nepal, Burma, Southern China, Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Taiwan. The mother is likely to hide her cubs on trees during hunting. Glad that you found the information helpful. 6. The clouded leopard has spots. Clouded leopard is nocturnal (active at night) animal that hunts its prey both on the trees and on the ground. It doesn't quite have a full roar like some of the big cats (lions, tigers), so it is sometimes considered in its own category of medium sized cat. 1. Clouded leopards are good swimmers and may have populated small islands off Vietnam and Borneo in this way. Small prey, such as small birds or mice, will receive a fatal blow from the feline’s paw. Clouded leopard is a medium sized cat. Clouded leopard is a carnivore (meat-eater). It has a three foot long tail. The forests where it lives are vanishing at the rate of 10 percent per year since 1987. Y called clouded ? It has large dusky-grey blotches and irregular spots and stripes forming a clouded pattern. Clouded leopard – interesting facts. It has a tail almost equal to the body length. The cat’s fur can range in color from a pale yellow to grey or brown. Babies are blind at birth and have 5 to 6 ounces. Geographical Variation in the Clouded Leopard, Neofelis nebulosa, Reveals Two Species. Young clouded leopards drink mother's milk during 9 months, but they will include solid food (meat) in diet as soon as they reach age of 10 weeks. Like any newborn kitten, clouded leopard cubs are small and helpless at birth. Clouded leopard is more at home on trees than on the ground. It can reach 36 inches in length and 28 pounds of weight. In Malaysia, the clouded leopard is known as the tree tiger. The clouded leopard is a short, sturdy cat that weighs between 25 and 51 lbs. 9. Leopards have the largest distribution in eastern and southern Asia and Africa. Interesting Clouded leopard Facts: Clouded leopard is a medium sized cat. Clouded leopards have short, powerful legs equipped with rotating rear ankles that allow them to safely downclimb in a headfirst posture—much like a common squirrel. After the meal, cloud leopard rests high in the trees. When a leopard spots a potential meal, it approaches with legs bent and head low, so as not to be seen. Clouded Leopards are a nocturnal animal . Clouded leopards are a species of large cats, mainly to be found in the Southeast Asian mainland as well the Himalayan foothills. Adult males weigh 60 – 121 pounds whereas females weigh up to 55 pounds only. Any etymology plz share ! lesser known species into the mainstream. They become independent about 10 months after they are born. Cloud leopard has the largest canines (when compared to the body size) in the feline world. Leopards grow from 92 to 190 centimeters (3 to 6.2 feet ) long. From the eyes to the nape of the neck there are black stripes. The clouded leopard is notable due to the dark cloud like patterns on its yellow or grey coat. The clouded leopard is identifiable by its dark grey fur, black ears, and back spotted head. Her work has appeared in a number of international websites, dailies and magazines including The Wire, Deccan Herald, New Indian Express, Down to Earth and Heritage India on issues related to environment and its conservation. It has short legs and broad paws that help in climbing trees. Fun Facts for Kids. It is indeed so interesting to know about this elusive leopard found in India. They are members of the genus Neofelis in the sub family Pantherinae of the cat family Felidae.Along with clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) with three subspecies; the genus Neofelis has another species called the Bornean clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi). By the time they are six months old, they are fully weaned and have the full adult coloration. Tail can be 30 inches long. Dark bands run from the corner of the cat’s eyes to its cheeks… She is also the author of Environment Science Essentials, a set of books for school children. 2. Are you a writer passionate about nature & wildlife? Cubs begin solid food between 7 and 10 weeks of age but continue to nurse until 11 to 14 weeks old. Camera trapping studies carried out in several protected areas in Taiwan between 1997 and 2012 did not reveal the presence of a clouded leopard. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) 1. The oldest clouded leopard in captivity lived 17 years. Amazing Facts About the Leopard. Its diet depends on the habitat and availability of the prey. Clouded leopards are from the family Felidae, the family of cats, and have the scientific name Neofelis nebulosa. It then stalks its prey carefully and quietly, until it’s five to ten metres within range. Yellow, brown or grey fur is covered with cloud-shaped dark … Perhaps it’s time to read some of the most interesting clouded leopard facts for kids. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website, India’s Buxa tiger reserve after a decade. Thanks for sharing. Their eyes are closed, they have no teeth, and they are not able to walk. Two large blotches of dark dusky-grey hair on the side of the shoulders are e… The word leopard is a compound of “leo” (lion) and “pardus” (panther). Its scientific name, nebulosa, means cloudy in Latin. It can climb while hanging upside-down under branches and descend tree trunks head-first. Clouded leopard is more at home on trees than on the ground. . 3. Current Biology 16(23): 2377-2383. The wild cat remains elusive and is difficult to spot in the wild. Yellow, brown or grey fur is covered with cloud-shaped dark brown spots that are outlined with black color. Your email address will not be published. Please fill the form below to request the right to reproduce any piece of our content. The Rukai people of Taiwan believe that the clouded leopard is their ancestor which brought them to their homeland. The African leopard (Panthera pardus) is an elegant and powerfully-built predator. Required fields are marked *. Clouded leopard is a member of feline family. Clouded Leopard Interesting Facts and Features. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXTINCT AND EXTINCT IN THE WILD? The life expectancy of a leopard living in the wild is generally 12 – 15 years and a leopard living in a zoo has a life expectancy of about 23 years. Leopards don’t usually roar as much as lions do, but they are also found to purr. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Color of the fur provides camouflage and clouded leopard easily blends in its surroundings. Need to know about this elusive leopard found in the feline ’ s,... 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