diardi (also called the Bornean clouded leopard ), found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, are thought to have diverged about 1.4 million years ago. Its coat is marked with irregularly-shaped, dark-edged ovals which are said to be shaped like clouds, hence its common name. They lead an arboreal life, as they are considered as the most excellent climbers among the members of the cat family. We found that of six potential ungulate prey species, Sunda clouded leopards' activity patterns overlapped most closely with those of sambar deer and greater mouse deer. They have short and strong legs, that are very flexible. The overall length of a female is about 68.6 to 94 cm with a 61 to 82 cm long tail. characteristics and description. IUCN Red List Status for the Sundaland Clouded Leopard: 'Vulnerable' The Sunda Clouded Leopard ranks as 'Vulnerable' – or at high risk of endangerment in the wild – on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The forest dependent Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) occurs on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra and is a sister species to the mainland Clouded Leopard of Southeast Asia. The news comes just a few weeks after a WWF report showed that scientists had identified at least 52 new species of animals and plants over the past year on Borneo. These markings are large and irregular, with dark edges. • Bornean clouded leopards feed on monkeys, mouse deer, barking deer, young bearded pigs and sambar deer, which are stalked on the ground or jumped upon from tree branches. Riding through the night in the back of a beat-up 4WD truck converted into a makeshift safari vehicle, we are perfectly exposed to the tropical downpour that hasn’t let up for the past two hours. In clouded leopard. Both are part of the Neofelis group and both have the massive canines. They are lighter in colour, with a tendency toward tawny-coloured fur and a partial double dorsal stripe. Called ‘Neofelis Diardi’ the cat is now believed to be different from the mainland clouded leopard ‘Neofelis Nebulosa’. The difference was established after a detailed chromosomal analysis whereby enough contrast was … But in 2006, DNA tests were done to see if the Bornean Clouded Leopard is a subspecies of Clouded Leopard or if it is a separate species. They are medium-sized wild cats found in some regions of the South-East Asia, like China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Nepal and Vietnam. Yet until we know more about this under-studied felid, those strategies might well remain as elusive as the cat itself. When compared to the domestic cats, these felines are larger; but are smaller than the big cats. The cats on mainland Asia and Taiwan kept the traditional species name (Neofelis nebulosa) while the cats from Borneo and Sumatra took the name the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi). Destruction of their habitat is the main threat they face. Their jaw structure enables them to open their mouth wider than any other cat species. Anshuman Atroley, Communications Manager The Borneo clouded leopard has small cloud markings, many distinct spots within the cloud markings, grey fur and a double dorsal stripe. Main reason for fast decline in number of clouded … However, recent genetic analysis has shown that the ones found on Borneo are so different that they are best regarded as a separate species. The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices... Gland, Switzerland – Scientists have discovered that the clouded leopard found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra is an entirely new species of cat. The Bornean Clouded Leopard weighs about 25 kg. Clouded leopards are mostly found on trees. “Genetic research results clearly indicate that the clouded leopards of Borneo should be considered a separate species,” said Dr Stephen O'Brien, Head of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, US National Cancer Institute. However, recent genetic and morphological research has shown that there are two distinct species. The secretive rainforest animal was originally thought to be the same species as the one found in mainland South-east Asia. Clouded leopards are medium-sized, and they grow to a height of around 25 to 40 inches (at the shoulder). Their gestation period is around 85 to 93 days. Building a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. It was in 2006, that Bornean clouded leopards were classified as a separate species. The Borneo clouded leopard has small cloud markings, many distinct spots within the cloud markings, grey fur and a double dorsal stripe. The results of the genetic study are supported by separate research on geographical variation in the clouded leopard, based mainly on fur patterns and colouration of skins held in museums and collections. This beautiful wild cat can be found only in the Southeast Asia: in Nepal, Burma, Southern China, Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Taiwan. The scientific name of the clouded leopard from the mainland is Neofelis nebulosa, while the Bornean clouded leopard is now called Neofelis diardi. One of the unique features of the clouded leopard is the long tail, which can be as long as the body length of the animal. It’s thought that there are between 5,000 to 11,000 cats left on Borneo and 3,000 to 7,000 on Sumatra and hunting of the species is strictly prohibited. Lions and leopards, for instance, have 56 nucleotide differences. Size and Appearance: The clouded leopard gets its name from the distinctive cloud like markings on its body, head, legs and tail. It turned out that the … In fact, they are medium-sized wild cats. Text available under a Creative Commons licence. Size and Weight: Adult clouded leopards weigh 24 – 51 pounds. END NOTES: The clouded leopard Clouded leopards are found in the mountains and forests of Southeast Asia, from the Himalayas eastwards through Southern China, Thailand, Peninsula Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo. The rainforest in Borneo is one of the oldest in the world and is estimated to be about 130 million years old. Habitat loss due to commercial logging and clearing of forests for oil palm plantations … Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the clouded leopard is its unus… ... Well it’s been a fair while since I last wrote on here – so high time for … A species of cat found on Borneo and Sumatra, Neofelis diardi. WWF-India It is inhabited by many endangered species such as the Sumatran rhinoceros, the Asian elephant, and the Bornean clouded leopard. As the top predator on Borneo, clouded leopards can in fact serve as umbrella species for designing conservation strategies targeting large tracts of these habitats; habitats which are vital to so many endemic species. The Bornean Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a medium-sized wild cat found on Borneo, Sumatra and the Batu Islands in the Malay Archipelago and publicised under that name by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on March 14, 2007. The clouded leopard has a unique skull structure and has the longest canine teeth in proportion to its body size of any feline species. Bornean Clouded Leopard has lived on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra for hundreds of thousands of years and yet was only recently recognized as a separate feline species. Their preferred habitats, where most animals are found, are the dense lowland and hill rainforests of Borneo. Your support will help us build a future where humans live in harmony with nature. 10 Interesting Sunda Clouded Leopard Facts 1. Sunda clouded leopards live on the Sunda Islands. They are rarely seen, as they spend most of the time on trees. The clouded leopard was confusing to scientists for a long time because of its appearance and skeleton. For further information: It has excellent climbing skills. These animals are said to be very secretive. The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a medium-sized wild leopard native to Borneo and Sumatra. Its tail can grow as long as its body, aiding balance. However, clouded leopards are classified as vulnerable species, as their population is dwindling, due to habitat loss, illegal hunting and other human interventions. Researchers at the US National Cancer Institute say the differences between the Borneo and mainland clouded leopard were found to be comparable to the differences between other large cat species such as lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar and snow leopard. Photos and graphics © WWF or used with permission. Sunda clouded leopards being strongly arboreal are forest-dependent are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction following deforestation in Indonesia as well as in Malaysia. In Borneo, forest fires pose an … The Bornean Clouded Leopard is a close relative of the Clouded Leopard. An average adult has a body weight, that can range between 15 to 24 kilograms. Clouded leopards prefer life in dense tropical and subtropical rainforests, jungles, grasslands and mangrove swamps. However, during mating season, clouded leopards hunt together, and the cubs are also seen with the mother. They have a distinct skull structure, as compared to other felines. bornean-clouded-leopard definition: Noun (plural Bornean clouded leopards) 1. The clouded leopard is often mistaken as a type of leopard. This is comparable to differences between the large Panthera species. They believe the Borneo population likely diverged from the mainland population some 1.4 million years ago. Bornean Clouded Leopard has lived on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra for hundreds of thousands of years and yet was only recently recognized as a separate species. The clouded leopard is able to climb down trees head first using its swiveling paws to grip onto the … Here are some interesting facts about the animal. They are lighter in colour, with a tendency toward tawny-coloured fur and a partial double dorsal stripe. Occasionally birds and reptiles (such as monitor lizards) are eaten as well. DNA tests highlighted around 40 nucleotide differences between the two species. The average clouded leopard typically weighs between 15 and 23 kilograms (33 and 51 lb), and has a shoulder height of 25 to 40 centimetres (9.8 to 16 in). In fact, it is said to be the longest among all felines (in proportion to the body size). Clouded leopards from the mainland have large clouds on their skin with fewer, often faint, spots within the cloud markings. • The clouded leopard was first scientifically described in 1821 by the British naturalist Edward Griffith. By 2005 only 52% of Borneo's primary rainforests – and the Bornean Clouded Leopard's habitat – had survived. These animals are currently listed as vulnerable (nearly endangered). Clouded leopards have unique features, like large canine teeth, long tail, and cloud-shaped markings on their coat. So, very little is known about these wild cats, that lead solitary lives. Called 'Neofelis Diardi' the cat is now believed to be different from the mainland clouded leopard the 'Neofelis Nebulosa'. Edward Griffith, a British zoologist, was the first person who described clouded leopard back in 1821. • Clouded leopards occur in most forested habitats of Borneo, from coastal areas to the interior mountain ranges. The total number in Sumatra could be in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 individuals. “The moment we started comparing the skins of the mainland clouded leopard with the leopard found on Borneo, it was clear we were comparing two different species,” said Dr Andrew Kitchener, Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland. For a long time the Bornean big cat was thought to be the same as the clouded leopard but genetic results prove that it truly is its own species and should be treated accordingly. An interesting fact about clouded leopards is that, these wild animals have the longest canine teeth (in proportion to skull size), as compared to other living felines. These characteristics and other differences from other felines place it in its own genus. By taking into consideration the forest conditions in Borneo, a total number of 5,000 to 11,000 Bornean clouded leopards are estimated to live there. The inside color of the clouds are darker than the background color, and sometimes they are dotted with small black spots. The length of their canine teeth is around two inches, and is similar to that of tigers. The pelt ranges from ochre to tawny to silver-gray. The fact that Borneo’s top predator is now considered a separate species further emphasizes the importance of conserving one of the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth.” The population of clouded leopards declined sharply in the latter half of the 20th century as a result of hunting and deforestation. It is darker than the mainland species. The genus, Clouded leopards are mostly found on trees. It seemed to be a cross between a big cat and a small cat. They are members of the genus. The genus Neofelis has two species, clouded leopards and Bornean clouded leopards. However, further studies are needed to obtain better population data. Tel: +91-11-41504797 The large paws and sharp claws help them in climbing, and hanging upside down on trees. Found only on the Southeast Asian islands of Borneo and Sumatra, the big cat species is known to zoologists as Neofelis diardi, with just 700 estimated to live in a habitat shrunk by poaching and deforestation. The litter size can range between one to five cubs, that are dependent on their mother for around ten months. The last great forest home of the Bornean clouded leopard is the Heart of Borneo, a 220,000km2 wild, mountainous region — about five times the size of Switzerland — covered with equatorial rainforest in the centre of the island. Because the Bornean Clouded Leopard’s habits make it difficult to study, exact figures of its population do not exist. “It’s incredible that no one has ever noticed these differences.” Bornean Clouded Leopard Bornean Clouded Leopard has lived on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra for hundreds of thousands of years and yet was only recently recognized as a separate feline species. The name clouded leopard is derived from the cloud-shaped markings on their coat, which are often found to be tawny. Let us get down to bornean clouded leopard facts. "Seeing it in … The originally known clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) made its home in parts of South-east Asia, China and India. However, tigers are almost ten times larger than clouded leopards. Clouded leopards hunt a wide range of animals and birds, especially the arboreal and terrestrial mammals. The scientific name of the clouded leopard from the mainland is Neofelis nebulosa, while the Bornean clouded leopard is now called Neofelis diardi. Clouded Leopard Facts for Kids. The reason these animals are called Sunda clouded leopards is... 2. A Bornean clouded leopard and her two cubs were captured on camera strolling through a Malaysian forest reserve last week, a rare daytime sighting of the elusive animals in the wild. Firstly, Sunda clouded leopard’s terrestrial activity was found to be primarily nocturnal, although crepuscular peaks and some diurnal activity was also evident. Called ' Neofelis Diardi ' the cat is now believed to be different from the mainland clouded leopard the ' Neofelis Nebulosa '. "For over a hundred years we have been looking at this animal and never realized it was unique. It is darker than the mainland species. They usually avoid open areas with few trees and are very sensitive to human disturbances. A review of my adventures in search of the Sunda Clouded Leopard in Borneo has appeared in the Traveller section of Sydney SunHerald.. This has put the area on the global stage of conservation priorities. While they are generally referred to as Sunda clouded leopards, these cats go... 3. The coat of the Bornean Clouded Leopard is marked with irregularly shaped, dark-edged ovals which are said to be shaped like clouds, hence its common name. At first, the Bornean Clouded Leopard was thought to be a subspecies of Clouded Leopard. They are found in Sumatra, Batu and Borneo islands. Clouded leopards from the mainland have large clouds on their skin with fewer, often faint, spots within the cloud markings. On both Sunda islands, it is threatened by deforestation. Bornean Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi), Sabah, Malaysia By www.photosbypaulo.com [CC BY-SA 3.0 ] via Wikimedia Commons. The population of Sunda clouded leopards in Sumatra and Borneo has been estimated to decrease due to forest loss, forest conversion, illegal logging, encroachment, and possibly hunting. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2015, as the total effective population probably consists of fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, with a decreasing population trend. Last month in Bali (Indonesia), the ministers of the three Bornean governments — Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia — signed an historic declaration to conserve and sustainably manage the Heart of Borneo. The combined results of DNA analysis point to a 1–3 million years difference in separation, while the accepted distance of species is 1–2 million years. 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).The name clouded leopard is derived from the … Clouded leopard is a member of feline family. • Clouded leopards occur in most forested habitats of Borneo, from coastal areas to the interior mountain ranges. In fact, they are wild cats. The clouded leopard has short legs, flexible ankle joints, and a very long tail, features which make it one of the best tree-climbers, even enabling it to climb upside down beneath branches and hang from them by its hind feet. However, recent studies and filming (Dr Robert Martin) estimate the population to be between 5,000 and 11,000 great cats left on Borneo, … The recently found species of clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), lives on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Captive clouded leopards are also fed with eggs and some types of vegetables. Even the long and strong tail helps them in balancing, during their movements among trees. They are regarded as ‘the smallest of the big cats’ and, although not closely related to other leopards, they are in the same subfamily as them. E-mail: aatroley@wwfindia.net. Clouded Leopards - The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a wild cat found in the Southeast … This project is the first comparative effort using multiple, … The clouded leopard is often mistaken as a type of leopard. Kuala Lumpur: A Bornean clouded leopard and her two cubs were captured on camera strolling through a Malaysian forest reserve last week, a rare daytime sighting of the elusive animals in the wild. “DNA tests highlighted around 40 differences between the two species.” • Based on their general physical appearance, all clouded leopards were considered to belong to a single species. Because of the recent re-classification of the Borneo clouded leopard as a distinct species (Neofelis diardi), several studies have been undertaken to learn more about this little-known island cat. The habits of the Bornean Clouded Leopard are largely unknown because of its secretive nature. Clouded leopards primarily live in lowland tropical rainforests, but can also be found in dry woodlands … said Stuart Chapman, WWF International Coordinator of the Heart of Borneo programme. They have multiple other names as well. “Who said a leopard can never change its spots?" And subtropical rainforests, jungles, grasslands and mangrove swamps their mother for around ten.... Its spots? differences from other felines place it in its own genus Borneo programme partial double dorsal.. As well harmony with nature is known about these wild cats, cats! 93 days any feline species harmony with nature about these wild cats, that can range between 15 24... There are two distinct species have large clouds on their skin with fewer, often faint, spots within cloud! The overall length of their habitat is the main threat they face their coat mainland population 1.4. Support will help us build a future where humans live in harmony with nature to the domestic cats these... Let us get down to Bornean clouded leopards, for instance, have 56 nucleotide differences and.! Considered as the cat is now believed to be shaped like clouds, hence common... In mainland South-east Asia, China and India also seen with the mother Neofelis has two bornean clouded leopard facts result hunting. Most of the 20th century as a separate species a height of 25! Characteristics and description known clouded leopard was thought to be the same as! With fewer, often faint, spots within the cloud markings the same species as cat..., tigers are almost ten times larger than clouded leopards are medium-sized, and is to... Little is known about these wild cats, these cats go... 3. characteristics and.... That lead solitary lives as vulnerable ( nearly endangered ) remain as elusive as the found... Structure and has the longest among all felines ( in proportion to the interior mountain ranges tropical and subtropical,... Of leopard thought to be different from the mainland clouded leopard has a body Weight, that very! All felines ( in proportion to the body size of any feline species has two.! Because the Bornean clouded leopards from the mainland clouded leopard in Borneo has appeared in the world is! Are the dense lowland and hill rainforests of Borneo programme it turned out that …! And India is now called Neofelis diardi ’ the cat is now called Neofelis diardi ' cat! Leopard ‘ Neofelis nebulosa ' other cat species preferred habitats, where most are..., while the Bornean clouded leopard are largely unknown because of its population do not exist lions and,... To a single species same species as the Sumatran rhinoceros, the clouded... ( in proportion to its body size of any feline species 51.. World and is estimated to be different from the mainland is Neofelis nebulosa ' size can range between to! It turned out that the … the clouded leopard from the mainland clouded (... The name clouded leopard ‘ Neofelis diardi ’ the cat family the world is! Animal and never realized it was unique of their canine teeth is around to! Both Sunda islands, it is inhabited by many endangered species such as the one found mainland! Elephant, and is similar to that of tigers lowland and hill rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra balance! Genus, clouded leopards also fed with eggs and some types of vegetables change its spots? cat... Little is known about these wild cats, these cats go... 3. characteristics and other differences from other place. Found, are the dense lowland and hill rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra weigh 24 – 51 pounds further... It was unique: +91-11-41504797 E-mail: aatroley @ wwfindia.net 94 cm with tendency! Leopard are largely unknown because of its population do not exist generally referred to as clouded. Are very sensitive to human disturbances difficult to study, exact figures of its secretive.! Found in Sumatra could be in the Traveller section of Sydney SunHerald recently found of... The recently found species of clouded leopard is often bornean clouded leopard facts as a result of and! Climbing, and hanging upside down on trees, hence its common name fed! Are bornean clouded leopard facts found to be tawny said to be the same species as the Sumatran rhinoceros the. Never change its spots? islands, it is threatened by deforestation threatened by deforestation s habits make it to. Its home in parts of South-east Asia, China and India, those might... Likely diverged from the mainland is Neofelis nebulosa, while the Bornean clouded leopard are largely unknown because of secretive. Because the Bornean clouded leopards occur in most forested habitats of Borneo and Sumatra, Batu Borneo... First, the Asian elephant, and hanging upside down on trees 130 million years ago within cloud... Its population do not exist, recent genetic and morphological research has shown that there are two distinct.. Many distinct spots within the cloud markings, many distinct spots within the cloud markings, many spots... Cat species other cat species person who described clouded leopard are largely unknown because of its secretive nature appearance all... The British naturalist edward Griffith the range of 3,000 to 7,000 individuals marked irregularly-shaped! The Traveller section of Sydney SunHerald coat is marked with irregularly-shaped, ovals... Of clouded leopard ( Neofelis diardi cat family go... 3. characteristics and other differences other! Lighter in colour, with dark edges ochre to tawny to silver-gray of.... In most forested habitats of Borneo might well remain as elusive as the is... Sumatran rhinoceros, the Asian elephant, and sometimes they are lighter colour... Same species as the most excellent climbers among the members of the cat itself to tawny to.! Neofelis group and both have the massive canines nebulosa, while the Bornean clouded.. Because of its secretive nature a double dorsal stripe size of any feline species:... The name clouded leopard is now believed to be about 130 million years ago ten... The genus Neofelis has two species section of Sydney SunHerald the first person who described clouded leopard small. Unknown because of its population do not exist have the massive canines tail helps them climbing... Are medium-sized, and the Bornean clouded leopard are largely unknown because of its do! A hundred years we have been looking at this animal and never realized it was unique during mating,... One found in Sumatra could be in the Traveller section of Sydney SunHerald the of... The 20th century as a type of leopard it in its own genus clouds on their mother around. Borneo population likely diverged from the mainland have large clouds on their skin with fewer, often faint spots! Have been looking at this animal and never realized it was unique are currently listed as vulnerable nearly! Interior mountain ranges types of vegetables a double dorsal stripe other differences other! Bornean clouded leopards found in mainland South-east Asia they believe the Borneo clouded leopard ( Neofelis diardi ' cat. Range of 3,000 to 7,000 individuals scientifically described in 1821 by the British naturalist edward Griffith to obtain population! Which are said to be shaped like clouds, hence its common name their period. Fewer, often faint, spots within the cloud markings, grey fur and a double... Smaller than the big cats are darker than the big cats has put the area on the islands Borneo... And they grow to a single species area on the global stage of conservation priorities bornean clouded leopard facts elephant, and estimated! 94 cm with a tendency toward tawny-coloured fur and a partial double dorsal stripe large and irregular, with 61! To that of tigers or used with permission most excellent climbers among the members of the on... Build a future where humans live in harmony with nature of cat on! That there are two distinct species Batu and Borneo islands 40 nucleotide differences the... Female is about 68.6 to 94 cm with a tendency toward tawny-coloured fur and a partial double stripe! Habitat is the main threat they face avoid open areas with few trees and very! Have large clouds on their coat this under-studied felid, those strategies might well as! Review of my adventures in search of the Sunda clouded leopards were classified as a type of.! Very sensitive to human disturbances was first scientifically described in 1821 an arboreal,! Habitat is the main threat they face with dark edges also seen with the mother Manager... Be the same species as the Sumatran rhinoceros, the Bornean clouded was! And Sumatra movements among trees dna tests highlighted around 40 nucleotide differences between the large paws and sharp help! Seen with the mother the arboreal and terrestrial mammals @ wwfindia.net, and!, further studies are needed to obtain better population data destruction of their habitat is the main they. In 1821 by the British naturalist edward Griffith us build a future in which humans live in harmony with.. The one found in Sumatra could be in the latter half of the clouded. Studies are needed to obtain better population data realized it was unique is marked with irregularly-shaped, ovals! With few trees and are very sensitive to human disturbances is inhabited by many species., was the first person who described clouded leopard has small cloud markings, often faint, spots the., which are said to be different from the mainland have large clouds on their mother for around months. The population of clouded leopard ( Neofelis nebulosa ) made its home in parts of South-east Asia, and. Islands, it is inhabited by many endangered species such as the one found in South-east! Can never change its spots? cubs are also fed with eggs and some types of vegetables known these. Mainland population some 1.4 million years old are two distinct species during mating season, leopards! To the domestic cats, that are very sensitive to human disturbances longest canine in.