Clouded+Leopard

=Clouded Leopard =

__Location:__ Range countries historically included most of Southeast Asia from Nepal and southern China through Thailand, Indonesia, and Borneo.
==__Size:__ Males weigh up to 50 pounds and females are significantly smaller, usually 25-35 pounds. A clouded leopard’s tail can be up to 3 feet long (the size of their body). == ==__Description of Habitat:__ Clouded leopards primarily utilize lowland tropical rainforest habitats, but can also be found in dry woodlands and secondary forests. They have also been spotted in the foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of 9000 feet. ==

==__Living Requirements:__ Like all wild cats, clouded leopards are carnivores. They are thought to hunt a variety of prey including birds, squirrels, monkeys, deer, and wild pigs. == == __Life Cycle:__ The gestation period is between 85 and 93 days with 1 to 5 cubs produced per litter. Cubs are independent at approximately 10 months of age. Females can produce a litter every year. == ==__Male/Female Differences: __ Males weigh more than females as states above in the size section. == ==__Interesting Facts: __ Clouded leopards are one of the best climbers in the cat family. There is a high incidence of aggression between males and females, sometimes resulting in the death of the female. The clouded leopard characteristics include having a long tail, not purring or roaring loudly, and having the longest and sharpest teeth of all cats. ==

__How long has it been on the endangered species list? __ a long time
==__Why is it endangered/threatened?__ Rapid habitat loss due to deforestation, illegal hunting for traditional Chinese medicines and demand for its beautiful pelt may be driving the decline of clouded leopard populations. == ==__Organizations__: Endangered Species Act (ESA), The Clouded Leopard Project (it is Gig Harbor-based non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of clouded leopards and the habitat upon which they depend by supporting field research, implementing education initiatives in range countries, and bringing global awareness to clouded leopard conservation issues.), == == Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Aspinall Foundation, Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, The Zoological Park Organization, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, and Nashville Zoo. ==

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