Neofelis nebulosa nebulosa

(Griffith, 1821)

Vernacular names
English : Mainland clouded leopard
French : Panthère nébuleuse de Malaisie

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known. One of them is extinct. Subspecies validity is questionned.

Identification
Body length up to 105 cm, tail length to 91 cm, weight up to 23 kg with males being larger. Thick and long tail, head longer and thinner than N. diardi. Coloration light beige-brown with distinct very broad black cloud-shaped markings on flanks. Face with an intricate pattern made of broad bands on sides and spots on forehead.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from south China to Thailand and Vietnam (possibly extinct in Vietnam), south to Peninsular Malaysia. The species is also found from Nepal to Myanmar and previously in Taiwan. Lives in primary and secondary evergreen forests, swamp forests, rarely dry forests and savannas, up to 3500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is more and more threatened by habitat loss (deforestation) and by hunting, both accidental and on purpose. Many specimens are shot by poachers and farmers and those caught alive will be sold for the pet trade. There are some captive breeding programs that have been successful in Thailand, Europe and America but the status of most wild populations remains very precarious.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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