Lifespan11 years in the wild and up to 17 years under human care
Quick facts
DietBoth arboreal and terrestrial prey such as deer, primates
HabitatPrimary tropical forest
RangeFrom the rainforests of Indonesia to the Himalayan foothills of Nepal
The clouded leopards
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Unique among wild cats
These cats are skilled climbers and can climb down a tree headfirst like a squirrel. Gripping on with their large paws and sharp claws, they're able to climb upside down underneath tree branches. They can even hang onto branches with just their hind feet!
Clouded leopards have the longest canine teeth relative to head and body size of any wild cat. Like the sabre-toothed cat, their jaws have a wide gape of 100 degrees. Modern lions have a gape of only 65 degrees.
Together, we protect wildlife
Breeding the clouded leopard
We're one of the few wildlife institutions to have bred the clouded leopard.
Under human care, clouded leopards don't breed well — matings are rarely successful due to male aggression towards the female.
Our breeding pair, Tawan and Wandee, were introduced to each other at a young age to promote bonding and reduce aggression.
The IUCN Status
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
