February Spotlight: Clouded Leopard

Photo courtesy of the Clouded Leopard Project

What do you know about this beautiful creature?

How did the clouded leopard get its name?  Does it live among the clouds?

How big is a clouded leopard? Is it larger than your average house cat?

Where will you find this big cat? 

What does a cloud leopard like to eat?  

Why is it in danger of being extinct? What can we do to save the clouded leopard?

We will explore all of these questions as we review how you can help save the clouded leopard.  

Although the clouded leopard loves to climb trees, the clouded leopard gets its name from the cloud shaped markings on its beautiful coat or pelt. The shapes of the clouds change sizes and shapes.  The black clouds float on a tawny colored fur. Their fur may have areas of silver gray. If you look at the back of their neck you will see dark bars marking their fur.  The clouded leopard has a long, thick tail with black rings. The tail is very important to this cat as it helps them to keep their balance as they move among the trees. Notice those beautiful eyes.  Their eyes help the clouded leopard estimate distances when they jump from branch to branch.  


Check back for further information all month.

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