Clouded Leopard

Clouded Leopard Natural History

Size

The Clouded Leopard is a medium sized cat which can grow to between 70- 94cm long and its tail is an additional 61-85cm. It weighs about 23kg with males being much larger than females.

Habitat and Distribution

It lives in the tropical forests of Bhutan, Nepal, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and China, where it spends much of its days in the trees.

Age

The lifespan of a Clouded Leopard is about 13 years.

Diet

Clouded Leopards are carnivorous, hunting species such as squirrels, wild pigs, deer, birds and monkeys.

Groups and Breeding

Usually 2- 3 cubs are born after a gestation period of 86 to 95 days weighing 170 grams. Females typically give birth only once a year and the cubs become independent at about 10 months old, although they will not be fully mature until they are two years old.

Threats

The Clouded Leopard is often poached for its fur, but its largest threat is deforestation across its home range. The IUNC red list classes this species as Vulnerable.

Interesting Facts

Clouded Leopards are the smallest of the medium cats.

They have the largest canine teeth, relative to body size, of any feline.

In China they are called Mint Leopards because their spots look like mint leaves.

The Clouded Leopards During Your Day Out in Kent

At Wingham Wildlife Park our two Clouded Leopards, Hari and China, can be found in our Nocturnal House, next to the Reptile House. There are two species of Clouded Leopard, the Clouded Leopard and the Sunda Clouded Leopard with the prior being the species that we have here at the park. They have larger and lighter cloud-like patterns than their cousins which are perfectly designed to camouflage them.

The majority of the diet of our clouded leopards in the park is made up of whole feathered chickens, rabbits and occasionally a whole rat.

The more you know…

Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.

Things that go bump in the night

Aerial silks, a sport good for the soul

Enrichment