What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another. – Mahatma Gandhi
Son: “Hey mom can we get a pet?”
Mom: “Sure son what do you have in mind?
“Dog or Cat?”
Son: “A cat.”
Mom: “Ok good shall we go to the adoption center and get a cat?”
Son: “No mom I want a Mainland clouded leopard.”
Mom: “A leopard! Are you insane?”
Son: “No mom not a leopard, a clouded leopard; look how cute he is, and all my friends have exotic pets. Sam has a peacock, Frodo has a tarantula and Gandalf has a Loris.”
“Can’t we get it please? It is available in the exotic pet market.”
Mom: Hmmm
“Ok, but first you must learn all about this animal and brief me as well.”
Son: “Sounds easy.”
credit: pixabay
One of the cutest predators these cat monkeys are the smallest of the big cats.
The topic of big cats is highly debated and since this is not a formal scientific term the definition of big cats can mean different things to different people.
There are a total of seven big cats in the world based on the subfamily Pantherinae definition (Cats belong to the family Felidae and are further split into two subfamily Felinae and Pantherinae)with India being home to five.*
If we go by the definition of the big cat’s ability to roar then we are left with only 4 big cats in the world.**
Humans generally tend to be fascinated and intimidated by a big massive presence, hence ignoring these tags let’s move on to the topic of concern.
Biology
The name Mainland clouded leopard comes from the cloud like pattern on the coat.
Split in 2006, there are now two species the Neofelis nebulosa (clouded leopard) and Neofelis diardi (Sunda clouded leopard)
The clouded leopard is found in Asia from the foothills of the Himalayas to Southeast Asia.
While the Sunda clouded leopard inhabits the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Adaptations
At home in the tropical rainforest the clouded leopard is often seen treading on a thin branch akin to an artist walking on a tight rope (absolute daredevil at heart).
The pattern of its coat successfully camouflages them in the dark dapple lighted forest.
But wait! What? It slipped?
Hanging upside down with the help of its hind legs it completes the remaining journey with its back facing towards the forest floor.
With a rumbling stomach, it spots a hog deer feeding. It approaches its prey head first from the tree allowing me to use the famous metaphor ‘death from above’, quite literally.
Its unique adaptation of rotating ankles helps it maintain the perfect stability. There is a pause, a silence.
And then follows the leap, using their long tail they balance their body and then pierce their long canine teeth (they have the largest set in proportion to body size compared to any wild cat) into the unfortunate hog deer (other prey include monkeys, squirrel , porcupine, pigs, etc.).
Little is known about their social behavior however they are most likely to be solitary.
They reach sexual maturity at the age of two and have a litter of 1-4 cubs every year.
Their lifespan as observed in captivity is around 17 years.
credit: pixabay
India
The clouded leopard calls the north eastern part of India its home.
The Clouded leopard national park in Tripura is part of the larger Saphijala wildlife sanctuary. It is the first area that is dedicated to preserve the habitat for this mini sabre-tooth.
Dampa tiger reserve in Mizoram is said to have the highest density of clouded leopards in South-East Asia as indicated by camera trap surveys and the forest department.
Manas National park in Assam and Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh are also good places to sight these shy cats.
Threats
The population of clouded leopards is on the decline and they are vulnerable as per the IUCN status.
Loss of habitat and poaching is the prime threats that these arboreal cats face.
They serve as a substitute to tiger related ingredients in the traditional medicine, a major cause of poaching in much of South-Asia. Also their fur is in much demand as a fashion accessory for the neo rich in developing countries.
Additionally, they have been reported to be captured and sold as exotic pets in many households in the west.
Mom: “So do you still want a clouded leopard?”
Son: “I am going to call off that plan. Thanks mom! For making me realize the consequence of my choice.”
“Can I take you up, on the adopt a cat from the animal shelter bit?”
Mom: “Sure! When would you want to go?”
*Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Clouded leopard and Sunda Clouded leopard.
Indian wildlife tours – (Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow leopard and Clouded leopard)
** Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, Leopard
Enjoy a wildlife safari by touring tigers, leopards in the famous national parks in India by choosing our Tigers, Lions, and Leopard tour package.
Sharad Vats brings over three decades of rich safari experience across the Indian wilderness, leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering seamless and memorable wildlife journeys. With deep knowledge of jungle logistics—ranging from flora and fauna to experienced guides and skilled jeep drivers—he ensures that every safari is thoughtfully curated and effortlessly executed, offering guests an immersive and almost ethereal experience in the wild.
Over the years, Sharad has also spent extensive time assisting guests, curating personalized tours, and leading wildlife expeditions, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of guest expectations.
Beyond tourism, he is an active contributor to the wildlife ecosystem. His initiatives include planting and maintaining thousands of trees, creating safe passages and corridors for tigers, and establishing solar-powered waterholes across Kanha and other national parks. He is equally committed to community development, supporting and adopting schools in nearby villages, reflecting a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism.
