Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) in the wild — Catch'Um species field guide

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) wildlife photograph

Overview

Clouded leopards are secretive forest cats named for the large cloud-like blotches on their coats. Exceptionally arboreal, they balance on branches with a long tail and have the largest canine teeth relative to skull size of any living cat.

Distinct from leopard and snow leopard already in the catalogue, they add a misty Southeast Asian legend for Indonesia and China collectors.

Scientific nameNeofelis nebulosa
Length60–110 cm body; tail 60–90 cm
Weight11–23 kg
LifespanAround 11–17 years in the wild
DietAmbush predators of monkeys
ConservationVulnerable
RegionForest Canopy

Habitat

Tropical rainforest
Evergreen forest
Foothill forest

Tropical and subtropical evergreen forest from the Himalayan foothills through mainland Southeast Asia to parts of China, needing connected canopy and low human disturbance.

Countries found

Field notes

Field scale for the Clouded Leopard: length around 60-110 cm body; tail 60-90 cm; weight 11-23 kg. Typical lifespan: Around 11-17 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise tropical rainforest, evergreen forest, and foothill forest. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Tan to grey coat with large cloud-like blotches edged in black. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Diet

Ambush predators of monkeys, birds, deer, and other forest mammals.

Hunt in trees and on the forest floor, often at night.

Behaviour

Solitary and secretive; rest on branches by day in dense cover.

Exceptional climbers that may descend trunks head-first.

How to identify

Tan to grey coat with large cloud-like blotches edged in black.

Short legs, very long tail, and a long canine-heavy skull.

Interesting facts

01
Cloud-shaped blotches give the species its name.
02
They have proportionally the largest canines of any living cat.
03
Extremely agile climbers that may hang beneath branches.
04
Mostly nocturnal and rarely seen even in strongholds.
05
The long tail aids balance high in the canopy.
06
Prey includes monkeys, birds, and small ungulates.

Conservation status

VU: Vulnerable

Clouded leopards are Vulnerable. Deforestation and poaching shrink populations across Asia. Large connected forests and anti-trafficking work are essential.

Sources: IUCN Red List