International Clouded Leopard Day

Common Name

Clouded Leopard

Scientific Name

Neofelis nebulosa

Habitat

Dense forests from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia

Physical Description

Dusky-grey blotches, irregular spots and stripes, tail for balancing, excellent climber

Size

Head-and-body length: 68.6 - 108 cm; Tail: 61 - 91 cm

Behavior

Nocturnal, arboreal, solitary, rests in trees, hunts on forest floor

Diet

Preys on arboreal and terrestrial vertebrates, including deer and monkeys

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (IUCN Red List), population under 10,000

Threats

Deforestation, poaching for wildlife trade

Captive Breeding

Lifespan: ~11 years, challenges due to male aggression during courtship, successful breeding programs since 1980s

Phylogeny

Sister taxon to other pantherine cats, diverged 9.32 - 4.47 million years ago

Distribution

Found in Nepal, Bhutan, Northeast India, Southeast Asia, and South China; locally extinct in Singapore and Taiwan

Reproduction

Gestation: ~93 days, litters of 1-5 cubs, weaning at 3 months, independent by 10 months

Conservation Efforts

CITES Appendix I, hunting bans in several countries, International Clouded Leopard Day celebrated on August 4th

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. How many of the following statements are correct regarding the Clouded Leopard:

1. It is a species found in dense forests from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia.
2. The Clouded Leopard is known for its excellent climbing abilities and often rests in trees.
3. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
4. International Clouded Leopard Day is celebrated on August 4^th.

 Options

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Answer: (c) Only three

Explanation

The Clouded Leopard is classified as Vulnerable, not Endangered, on the IUCN Red List. Statement 3 is incorrect. Rest are correct.