Sunda Clouded Leopard

Neofelis diardi

The Sunda Clouded Leopard has only been a designated species since 2006. before that, it was considered to be a subspecies of the Clouded Leopard which lives on the Asian continent.

The Sunda (or Borneo) Clouded Leopard is only found on Borneo and Sumatra. They are the largest felines on those islands, and can be identified by the irregularly shaped cloud-like ovals on their coats.

Not much is known about the behavior of these cats. They have low population densities and are very secretive. They are most likely solitary animals that hunt from the ground but use trees for shelter and protection.

The species is listed at Vulnerable, and the population is on a decline. Habitat loss is a major concern, as is hunting for pelts. They live in a few protected areas, but there is more conservation work and research to be done.

IUCN Status : Vulnerable
Location : Borneo and Sumatra
Size : Weight up to 55lbs (25kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae -- Genus : Neofelis -- Species : N. diardi
Image : photosbypaulo

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