clouded leopard
Neofelis nebulosa
ABOUT
The clouded leopard is considered one of the most acrobatic cats in trees. With a very strong build and long tail, clouded leopards are agile and nimble tree climbers.
Clouded leopards have very flexible ankles, large padded feet, and a long tail- all in which helps the clouded leopard with climbing. Interestingly enough, clouded leopards have the peculiar ability to be able to walk down trees head first. The structure and adaptations of the clouded leopard's body, gives it a large amount of freedom in the way it moves.
The clouded leopard is considered one of the most acrobatic cats in trees. With a very strong build and long tail, clouded leopards are agile and nimble tree climbers.
Clouded leopards have very flexible ankles, large padded feet, and a long tail- all in which helps the clouded leopard with climbing. Interestingly enough, clouded leopards have the peculiar ability to be able to walk down trees head first. The structure and adaptations of the clouded leopard's body, gives it a large amount of freedom in the way it moves.
HABITAT
Clouded leopards are found in southern parts of the Himalayas and areas of northeastern India. They tend to inhabit environments such as tropical forests (primarily evergreen tropical forests), logged forests, mangroves, and grasslands.
"Cloud shaped" spots and markings are also seen on the coats as a camouflage mechanism- hence the name clouded leopard. The leopard's habitat is very "earthy" and forested, so the greys and the muddy colours in the clouded leopard's coat is beneficial to allow the leopard to conceal itself.
Clouded leopards are found in southern parts of the Himalayas and areas of northeastern India. They tend to inhabit environments such as tropical forests (primarily evergreen tropical forests), logged forests, mangroves, and grasslands.
"Cloud shaped" spots and markings are also seen on the coats as a camouflage mechanism- hence the name clouded leopard. The leopard's habitat is very "earthy" and forested, so the greys and the muddy colours in the clouded leopard's coat is beneficial to allow the leopard to conceal itself.
At the Toronto Zoo, the clouded leopard that was on display died 3 weeks ago. Her name was Merriweather and she died of old age at approximately 20 years old. Due to these circumstances, direct photo observations are not available.