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Science & Nature • Mammal

Clouded Leopard

The clouded leopard is a wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its cloud-like coat markings and strong tree-climbing ability.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The clouded leopard is a wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its cloud-like coat markings and strong tree-climbing ability. Modern taxonomy recognises two species: the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi). Both species are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Taxonomy

Clouded leopards are placed in the genus Neofelis and are separate from true leopards. Modern taxonomy recognises two species: the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi).

Distribution and habitat

The mainland clouded leopard occurs from Nepal and Bangladesh through mainland Southeast Asia to southern China. The Sunda clouded leopard is found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, with both species relying mainly on forest habitats.

Physical characteristics

Clouded leopards are medium-sized wild cats with dark, cloud-like blotches and stripes. Their body plan supports climbing, and they are closely associated with life in trees.

Conservation

Both clouded leopard species are classified as Vulnerable. Main threats include habitat loss from deforestation and illegal hunting or poaching.

Key facts

  • Clouded leopards are arboreal cats adapted for climbing and moving through forest canopies.
  • They have distinctive blotched and striped coat patterns that provide camouflage.
  • Both recognised species are considered Vulnerable by the IUCN.
  • The species is threatened primarily by deforestation and poaching.
  • They are not true leopards; they belong to a separate genus, Neofelis.
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Canadian context

Clouded leopards are of interest to Canadian zoo visitors and conservation audiences, as they are displayed and studied in some accredited zoos and are part of broader international big-cat conservation efforts.

Frequently asked questions

What is a clouded leopard?
A clouded leopard is a wild cat in the genus Neofelis, native to Asia and known for its cloud-like coat markings and arboreal lifestyle.
How many species of clouded leopard are there?
Two species are recognised: the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi).
Where do clouded leopards live?
They live in forested regions of South and Southeast Asia, with the mainland species on the Asian mainland and the Sunda species on Borneo and Sumatra.
Are clouded leopards endangered?
Both recognised species are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, meaning they face a high risk of becoming endangered in the wild.
Are clouded leopards true leopards?
No. They are a separate genus, Neofelis, and are not the same as true leopards in the genus Panthera.

References

  1. Smithsonian’s National Zoo — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/clouded-leopard
    Supports: Geographic range and general species information
  2. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/clouded-leopard-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Recognition of two species and Vulnerable conservation status
  3. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — https://www.sandiegozoo.org/animals/clouded-leopard
    Supports: Taxonomy, relation to other cats, and cloud-like markings
  4. GBIF — https://www.gbif.org/species/113275834
    Supports: Scientific name, habitat, and distribution of *Neofelis nebulosa*