Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized wild cat native to the forests of Southeast Asia. It is known for its distinctive coat pattern, which features large, irregularly-shaped, dark-edged blotches that are reminiscent of clouds, hence its name. The clouded leopard occupies a unique position within the Felidae family, displaying characteristics of both big and small cats.
Classification of the Clouded Leopard:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Neofelis
Species: Neofelis nebulosa
Clouded leopards are elusive and primarily nocturnal creatures. They are excellent climbers and can be found in primary and secondary forests in their habitat range, including parts of Nepal, India, Southeast Asia, and China. Despite their beauty and the fascination they inspire, clouded leopards face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade, leading to their classification as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
