UNEP-WCMC - Clouded Leopard

GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD Still found within all the countries of its original range but at much lower densities. The species is thought to be on the verge of extinction in Nepal and Taiwan.

CURRENT POPULATION No estimates of population size in the wild. It has been assigned a threat category because of the extensive habitat destruction throughout the cat's range.

SIZE Head and body length 61 to 106cm. Tail length 55 to 91cm.

WEIGHT 16 to 23kg.

AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY 11 to 17 years.

NORMAL DIET Birds, primates and small mammals and larger prey such as porcupines, deer and wild boar.

NORMAL LIFESTYLE Generally a solitary animal.

PREVIOUS GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD Historically found in most of South East Asia from Nepal, east to southern China and Taiwan, and south from Myanmar to Borneo and Sumatra.

REASONS FOR DECLINE The principal cause of decline is large scale loss of forest habitat. The Clouded Leopard is widely hunted for its pelt, teeth and bones for use in traditional Asian medicinal trade.

CURRENT THREATS Same as the reasons for decline.

CONSERVATION PROJECTS The Clouded Leopard is protected over most of its range. In 1990, a European Captive Breeding Programme was agreed upon in Copenhagen. The Europaische Erhaltungszucht Programme (EEP) for the Clouded Leopard will "... hold workshops on the many varied aspects that are needed for the management of this species in captivity ...". At present, information is being collated from European collections in the International Studbook and the International Zoo Yearbook. The IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group are preparing a World Cat Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, which will identify further conservation initiatives needed to ensure the survival of the Clouded Leopard.

SPECIAL FEATURES Extremely agile.

REFERENCES

Anon. 1991. European Captive Breeding Programme for Clouded Leopard. In: Cat News. No.15: 18-19.

Nowell, K. & Jackson, P. (in press). Wild cats: Status Report and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland.

Nowak, R.M. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World. 5th ed. Vol.2. John Hopkins University Press, London. pp.1206-1207.

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