International Clouded Leopard Day

The secretive and little-known clouded leopard is the smallest of the big cats. It has large, cloud-like markings and a tail that’s almost as long as its head and body.

There are two species, the mainland clouded leopard and the Sunda clouded leopard. Both are found in South or Southeast Asia and both are exceptional climbers.

What is International Clouded Leopard Day, and when is it?

International Clouded Leopard Day (also called National Clouded Leopard Day) is held on 4th August every year. It was founded in 2018 by The Aspinall Foundation and was first observed at Howletts Wild Animal Park in the United Kingdom.

Clouded Leopard Day is an opportunity to celebrate these elusive, sentient animals. It’s also a chance to highlight the threats they face, including habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade, and the need for better clouded leopard protections.

3 facts about clouded leopards

1. They're exceptional climbers. They’re some of the only cats that can descend trees head-first and hang from branches by their hind feet.
2. They have huge canines. They have the longest canine teeth relative to skull size of any living cat.
3. There are two living species but one population is now extinct. Due to overhunting, habitat destruction, and depletion of prey, there are now no Formosan clouded leopards left on the island of Taiwan.

Are clouded leopards endangered?

Both species — the mainland clouded leopard and the Sunda clouded leopard — are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN, and their populations are decreasing. Here are some of the threats they face.

Habitat loss and deforestation

The creation of palm oil plantations and urban infrastructure is leading to clouded leopard habitat loss. 34% of mainland clouded leopard habitat was lost between 2000 and 2018. And the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, which are home to the Sunda clouded leopard, have experienced some of the highest deforestation rates in the world.

Illegal trade

Clouded leopards are captured or killed for use in the illegal wildlife trade. Skins and body parts are used in traditional medicine and for ceremonial clothing. Meat is used in exotic dishes. These secretive, solitary animals are also sold as exotic pets and to cruel big cat tourist attractions.

Hunting and human-wildlife conflict

Clouded leopards are sometimes caught in snares set for other animals. If they prey on livestock, local communities may hunt them down in retaliation. Clouded leopards are also impacted by prey depletion. Their prey animals are overhunted for local meat markets.

Clouded leopard FAQs

Where do clouded leopards live?

The mainland clouded leopard lives in South and Southeast Asia, in countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, and Thailand. The Sunda clouded leopard is only found in Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

What do clouded leopards eat?

Clouded leopards are carnivores. They eat a wide range of prey, including small deer, monkeys, squirrels, pangolins, wild boar, and birds.  

How big is a clouded leopard?

Clouded leopards weigh between 11 and 25 kg. That’s tiny compared to a tiger, which can weigh up to 325 kg. Their bodies are between 60 and 108 cm long, with their exceptionally long tails adding another 61 to 91 cm to their overall length. 

Are clouded leopards nocturnal?

Clouded leopards can be active at any time of the day or night. But they’re most likely to be active during night and twilight hours.

How many clouded leopards are left?

According to the IUCN, there are between 3,700 and 5,580 mature mainland clouded leopards and around 4,500 mature Sunda clouded leopards left in the wild.