Clouded Leopards - Status
Clouded Leopards have been listed as endangered by the United States Endangered Species Act and are considered vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation and Nature and Natural Resources). The current species range is much smaller than the original range due to habitat loss. Clouded Leopard habitat has been reduced greatly due to human expansion and destruction of rainforests. Clouded Leopards appear to be one of the most difficult wild cats to breed in captivity. Special steps have to be taken to preserve the species in the wild.
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Source:
The Clouded Leopard Project
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Clouded Leopards - Species Importance
Clouded Leopards are extremely important for humans and the ecosystem. This top carnivore is vital for the health of the rainforest ecosystem. But for Clouded Leopards, the balance between populations of predators and prey would be impaired. Thus, the species is considered to be the key animal in the rainforest ecology.
Clouded Leopards have always been valued in different cultures. The Malaysians call Clouded Leopards "tree tigers" due to the fact that they habitually spend most of their time in trees. The Chinese, in their turn, are likely to refer to the species as the "mint Leopard." The coat pattern of this wild cat reminds them of mint leaves.
Clouded Leopards - Reasons for Decline
Deforestation and extensive hunting are considered the top reasons for Clouded Leopard decline. With human intrusion into rainforest areas, the species has lost most of its original habitat. Hunting also added much to the species destruction. Clouded Leopards were hunted for their beautiful coat and various body parts that were thought to have medical value. And, farmer persecuted the Clouded Leopard for predating livestock.
Nowadays, special programs are launched to preserve the species in the wild. Hunting laws and trade restrictions are meant to protect this wild cat. Although the population of Clouded Leopards is not precisely estimated, the species is considered endangered and has to be protected.
Clouded Leopards - Conservation Links
AfriCat: Clouded Leopards - A non-profit organization based in Namibia to conserve carnivores, especially Leopards and Cheetahs. Species and conservation information, and news.
Brookfield Zoo: Clouded Leopard - Clouded Leopards are among the most mysterious of cats.
CatSurvivalTrust: Clouded Leopards - Description, distribution, diet, behavior, reproduction, and conservation status.
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Source:
The Clouded Leopard Project
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Central Florida Zoological Park: Clouded Leopards - Status, range, habitat, reproduction, and diet.
Clouded Leopard - Neofelis nebulosa - Information on species habitat, distribution, and conservation projects.
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa brachyurus) - The Clouded Leopard is endangered throughout Asia, although there is no information on population sizes. PFD file.
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) - A question and answer forum for the zoo.
Clouded Leopard Fact Sheet - Conservation status, description, habitat, diet, social organization, and zoo programs.
Clouded Leopard Inspires New Wildlife Charity - The Clouded Leopard and numerous species throughout the Australasian region will disappear without the help of the Wonderland Conservation Foundation.
Clouded Leopard Profile - Contains information on the species, its status, and habits.
Clouded Leopard Research - The first ecological study of Clouded Leopards.
Clouded Leopards - National Zoo/ FONZ - Size, distribution and habitat, diet, reproduction, and conservation information.
Clouded Leopards in Captivity - Clouded Leopards have been a historically difficult species to manage in captivity.
Clouded Leopards in Sumatra - Unless conservation measures are adopted soon, the Clouded Leopard will become even more at risk from the consequences of unplanned, indiscriminate land-use policies.
Clouded Leopards in Thailand - Over the last 20 years, rapid deforestation and illegal hunting have threatened the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) across its range.
Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) - Classified by the World Conservation Union as vulnerable across its range, the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Borneo's largest cat species, is suffering from habitat destruction and human persecution.
Expeditions in Conservation: Clouded Leopards - General information on the species.
ISEC Canada - Clouded Leopards - Population size and threats to the Clouded Leopard.
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Source:
The Clouded Leopard Project
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Kerinci Seblat National Park: Clouded Leopards - Rarely seen, but probably present across much of the Kerinci Seblat National Park, Clouded Leopard are among the least-known of the big cats, in part because they appear to be mainly nocturnal and generally arboreal.
Species Profile for Clouded Leopards - Status details and conservation plans.
Taiwan Ecological Conservation: The Formosan Clouded Leopard - Features, behavior, and habitat.
Thailand Clouded Leopard and Fishing Cat Conservation Project - Clouded Leopards and fishing cats are among the most charismatic and least understood of Thailand's many beautiful cat species. PDF file.
The Clouded Leopard Project - Information about Clouded Leopards and research and conservation efforts.
Zoo Leopards Go Hollywood, Staff Goes to Thailand - Strengthening wild Clouded Leopard conservation and enhance breeding success for these critically endangered animals in Thai and American zoos.
