First mentioned by Sir Stamford Raffles in the Descriptive Catalogue of a collection made in Sumatra it was given the scientific name of Felis nebulosa by Griffith in 1821. Known common names in range countries include harimau-dahan (branch or tree tiger) or mint leopard by the Chinese due to its markings being similar to mint leaves.
They have distinctive large dark, cloud-shape markings, a tail typically as long as its head-body length (up to 80-90cm).
Clouded leopards are carnivores and their main prey includes gibbons, macaques, slow loris, small deer and wild boar. It also occasionally hunts birds and rodents.
The clouded leopard primarily utilizes tropical rainforest habitats, but can also be found in dry woodlands and secondary forests. Clouded leopards are well adapted for arboreal living. Their short, flexible legs, large feet and sharp, retractable claws make them very adept in the trees. Their long tail provides balance as they leap from branch to branch. Their arboreal lifestyle also provides protection from larger predators like tigers and leopards.
Clouded leopards reach sexual maturity at two to three years of age. Relatively little isknown about the breeding season and mating behavior of this elusive cat in the wild. In a ground-level den or hollow tree, the female gives birth to a litter of one to five (usually two) cubs after a gestation of 85-93 days. Females raise the cubs alone. Cubs are born blind and helpless weighing five to nine ounces (140-280 gm).
Clouded leopards currently range from the southeastern Himalayas across southeastern Asia, extending through southern China and into peninsular Malaysia.
Clouded
leopards (Neofelis nebulosa)
