![]() ![]() In areas where clouded leopards share their habitat with tigers and common leopards, cloudeds seem to be more nocturnal and arboreal in their habits to avoid competition for food. And then there’s that amazing tail-the longest, in relation to body size, of any cat's tail, which gives the clouded leopard great balance when strolling along tree branches.Ī cat's life. Clouded leopards are typically rainforest dwellers but can be found in dryer forests as well in Southeast Asia. The pupils of the clouded leopard’s eyes are different from any other cat’s pupils: they never get fully round like a big cat’s pupils do, yet they never shrink to vertical slits like a small cat’s pupils do. Cloudeds can purr like the small cats, but they also have a low, moaning roar, a soft chuffle, a growl, a hiss, and meows as part of their calls. They have a stocky build and are larger than small cats and smaller than the large cats! Male clouded leopards are generally twice the size of females. “Cloudeds” are most closely related to snow leopards and are now in the same taxonomic subfamily, Pantherinae, as tigers, lions, jaguars, and true leopards. Named for its cloud-like spots, recent genetic studies have shown that clouded leopards are a separate genus of cat and not just a type of leopard. Most of what we know about these cats comes from caring for them in zoos. Officially recorded as a species in 1821, the clouded leopard remains just as mysterious today as it was nearly 200 years ago. They also growl when angry and, like domestic cats, purr when happy and relaxed.Cloudy taxonomy. Few people have seen a clouded leopard, either in its rainforest habitat in Southeast Asia or in a zoo. For instance, when a male wants to make another leopard aware of his presence, he’ll make a hoarse, raspy cough. Mothers stay with their cubs until they are about two years old, when they are old enough to hunt and take care of themselves.ġ0. Leopards communicate with each other through distinctive calls. Ouch!ĩ. Female leopards give birth any time of the year – when they do, they usually give birth to two or three cubs. Small prey, such as small birds or mice, will receive a fatal blow from the feline’s paw. ![]() pounce! The leopard dashes forward and takes down its victim with a bite to the throat or neck. It then stalks its prey carefully and quietly, until it’s five to ten metres within range. They mostly spend their days resting, camouflaged in the trees or hiding in caves.Ĩ. When it comes to hunting for food, these big cats know their stuff! When a leopard spots a potential meal, it approaches with legs bent and head low, so as not to be seen. Nocturnal animals, leopards are active at night when they venture out in search for food. They are strong beasts, too, and can carry their heavy prey up into the trees so that pesky scavengers, such as hyenas, don’t steal their meal!ħ. ![]() They eat bugs, fish, antelope, monkeys, rodents, deer…in fact, pretty much any prey that is available!Ħ. Leopards are skilled climbers, and like to rest in the branches of trees during the day. They each have their own territory, and leave scratches on trees, urine scent marks and poop to warn other leopards to stay away! Males and females will cross territories, but only to mate.ĥ. These big cats have a varied diet and enjoy different kinds of grub. Leopards can be found in various places around the world – they live in Sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India and China.ģ. Leopards are fast felines and can run at up to 58km/h! They’re super springy, too, and can leap 6m forward through the air – that’s the length of three adults lying head to toe!Ĥ. Leopards are very solitary and spend most of their time alone. ![]() There are also black leopards, too, whose spots are hard to see because their fur is so dark.Ģ. These spots are called “ rosettes” because their shape is similar to that of a rose. They’re fierce, fast and fur-ocious – join National Geographic Kids as we check out these amazing leopard facts!ġ. Most leopards are light coloured and have dark spots on their fur. ![]()
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