Clouded Leopard - Neofelis nebulosa

Clouded leopards are secretive and solitary animal and very little is known about their behaviour in the wild. Almost all that is known of the clouded leopard today comes from studies of the cats in captivity. Howletts and Port Lympne are one of the world’s most successful breeders of this species, and while we have over 20 animals across the two parks, many of these are off show – a strategy we believe has been instrumental in their successful breeding.
 
HABITAT: Once widespread south of the Yangtze in China, recent records indicate that, based on the current rate of habitat loss, populations are in decline. The clouded leopard is found from eastern foothills of the Himalayas through most of Southeast Asia.  The Bornean clouded leopard, Neofelis diardi, appears to be a separate species found on Sumatra, Borneo and the Batu Islands. Their preferred habitat is primary tropical and subtropical forests, but they can also be found in mangrove swamps, open woodland and grassland.

CHARACTERISTICS: The clouded leopard is a medium sized cat and its tawny coat gives rise to its name as the large, irregularly-shaped, dark-edged ellipses are shaped like clouds – which provides camouflage in its forest habitat.  Clouded leopards are expert climbers and are able to climb upside down underneath tree branches and hang from branches with their hind feet. They have short, stout legs for leverage and large paws with sharp claws give them a good grip. Their tail aids in balance and can be equal the length of their body. In proportion to its size, the clouded leopard has the longest canine teeth of any living feline. Typically clouded leopards weigh between 15 - 30kg, and are about 1- 2m in length (including the tail), and about 0.5m at the shoulder.

BIOLOGY: Little is known about the behaviour and ecology of this species as they are an elusive, secretive animal that is very difficult to study in the wild - and not much easier in captivity! They are likely to be a primarily arboreal and solitary species and are mainly nocturnal. Their prey includes deer, birds, pigs, civet, monkeys, fish and domestic animals. Females are sexually mature at 2 years and can breed every year. Gestation is from 85 to 93 days, and litter size is from 1-5 cubs. Average lifespan is 11 years, but in captivity they can live up to 17 years.  

CONSERVATION STATUS: High rates of deforestation and continued hunting for their pelts have placed the clouded leopard in a 'Vulnerable' classification and their populations have suffered a steady and alarming decline over the last 20 years. Hunting is prohibited across its range, though this is poorly enforced, and populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, a reduced prey base and persecution.  

The clouded leopard is difficult to breed in captivity due to an overall lack of knowledge of their wild behaviour. The main issues come about through male aggression towards females, decreased breeding activity between paired animals, stress and high cub mortality. The low captive breeding success also means that the captive populations are steadily aging. The secret to successful breeding appears to be through either familiarising a pair by keeping them together from an early age, or introducing an adult pair very gradually, allowing them to see and smell each other for some time before putting them together.

Port Lympne has held this species since the mid 1980s and celebrated its first birth in 2007. Howletts and Port Lympne house the majority of the clouded leopards in UK zoos, and are home to more clouded leopards than any other zoo in Europe or the US. On a worldwide scale, the parks are second only to Khao Kheow Zoo in Thailand – a well-renowned institution with a specialized clouded leopard breeding program.