Meet the Clouded Leopard, a Master Climber That is Threatened with Extinction

1 week ago 11

October 7, 2025 | 12:38 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Clouded leopards, scientifically named Neofelis diardi, are agile tree climbers that inhabit the deep forests of Sumatra, Kalimantan, and the Malay Peninsula. With flexible bodies and strong legs, these carnivores can leap far and even descend from trees headfirst. However, these unique abilities cannot protect them from human threats. This species is almost extinct due to their endangered habitat.

This species of wild cat is only found in the Southeast Asian regions, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of Thailand. According to various sources, including the official website of the Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (Yiari), or the Indonesian Rehabilitation Nature Initiative Foundation, the wild cat's climbing ability is supported by their lightweight bodies compared to other leopard species, weighing around 11-25 kilograms.

The Silent Predator

Unlike their larger relatives, clouded leopards are known as silent hunters. They actively prey on birds, monkeys, and other small mammals at night.

Their bodies are covered with distinct spots and lines that resemble leaf shadows, allowing them to camouflage among the dense forest canopies. The clouded leopard's fangs are among the longest in the big cat family.

Despite living in remote areas, the clouded leopard population continues to decline due to the diminishing natural habitat. Like many other animals, their habitat is threatened by land clearing for oil palm plantations, infrastructure development, and illegal logging practices.

Clouded leopards are also targeted by illegal hunting. Their skins are sold as decorative items, while their fangs and other body parts are used in unproven traditional medicine. This species is categorized as 'Vulnerable' on the list compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Some subspecies are even declared critically endangered.

Challenges in Clouded Leopard Conservation

Various research and habitat protection efforts for clouded leopards have been undertaken in conservation areas. There is also public education. However, without decisive actions, the fate of this species remains threatened amidst widespread deforestation and illegal wildlife trade.

Researchers also struggle to study the behavior of clouded leopards due to their shy nature and difficulty in finding them in the wild. The scarcity of field data is one of the main obstacles to clouded leopard conservation to this day. Some of the main reasons for the decline in their numbers include direct hunting and deliberate capture, indirect deaths due to traps set for other animals, and the diminishing natural habitat.

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