INTERNATIONAL CLOUDED LEOPARD DAY
On August 4th, International Clouded Leopard Day raises awareness of the plight of the clouded leopard. Both in the wild and in captivity, the clouded leopard needs our help to maintain its current population levels and to grow.
These beautiful and shy species inhabit central and south East Asia. The Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosi) also known as the mainland Clouded leopard, is native to the Asian mainland. A second species, the Sunda Clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) lives on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Very little is known about these elusive cats. Since they’re shy and nocturnal, conservationists seek to learn about their reproduction and lifestyle. This information will help them manage their population. Their shrinking habitat coupled with illegal hunting for their fur creates constant threats on their population. Currently, estimates show fewer than 10,000 Clouded leopards living in the wild.
While Clouded leopards fall into a smaller category of the big cats, their low center of gravity makes them excellent climbers. However, despite their name, they’re not a leopard. They are a separate and ancient species of feline.
Like many shy animals, the Clouded leopard doesn’t breed well in captivity. However, Howlett’s Wild Animal Park (a major sponsor of the day) is key to breeding success.
HOW TO OBSERVE #CloudedLeopardDay
Learn more about this fascinating animal. Read about them at www.aspinallfoundation.org and view pictures of them, too. Donate to the organization to help them learn more about the Clouded leopard. Follow them for updates on their progress.
INTERNATIONAL CLOUDED LEOPARD DAY HISTORY
Howlett’s Wild Animal Park founded International Clouded Leopard Day in 2018 to raise awareness about the Clouded leopard. The organization studies and supports conservation and preservation of endangered species around the world.