Clouded Leopards - Pictures

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Clouded Leopards - Species Survival Plan

Unlike other endangered species that often survive by the means of captive breeding, Clouded Leopards do not breed well in captivity. Most zoos that tried to breed the species have experienced difficulties in pairing Clouded Leopards. Males and females are often aggressive toward each other. It has been established that about 64% of institutions involved in breeding captive Clouded Leopards faced incompatibility of the mates.

Difficulties are aggravated by the fact that the population of Clouded Leopards in zoos is low. There is a shortage of the gene pool, which results in low numbers of newly born Clouded Leopards. Meanwhile, the existing breeding population is aging, reducing chances to establish stable numbers of Clouded Leopards in captivity. To help breed these animals, there have been a special plan introduced. The Clouded Leopard SSP (Species Survival Plan) is aimed at improvement of captive breeding and research of the Clouded Leopard ecology. It also fulfills the need for demographic stabilization of the Clouded Leopard and conservation of the species in the wild.

The aspect of gene pool diversity of the captive population is critical for the conservation of the species. Nowadays, the current population is said to stem from three Clouded Leopards. However, there has not been yet a chance to introduce Clouded Leopards unrelated to these three individuals.

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