Two female cubs, Pati and Jaya, of the rare and highly endangered Clouded Leopard species (Neofelis nebulosa), made their first public appearance on July 22, 2010 at the Jardin des Plantes Park Zoo in Paris, France. According to an announcement made by the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, the cubs were born May 14, 2010, however, zoo officials waited until July to release information about the cubs until they were confident of the health of the mother and the cubs. The same set of parents had two cubs last year, as well.
Breeding Habits
Clouded Leopards generally reach sexual maturity at the age of two. They have one litter per year of two to four cubs. According to The Smithsonian National Zoological Park, 76 Clouded Leopard cubs were born at their facility over the past 30 years and they have learned that the best way to achieve captive breeding of this species is to introduce the male and female at a very young age to avoid aggressive behavior.
The Unique Anatomy and Hunting Habits of the Clouded Leopard
According to National Geographic.com, like all wild cats, the Clouded Leopard can be quite aggressive. They have large paws and very sharp claws and can often be seen hanging upside down beneath large branches like squirrels. They have a powerful leg structure with rotating rear ankles, allowing the cats to shoot down trees with incredible speed to attack prey, which includes squirrels, along with monkeys, pigs, deer, and other ground animals. The most remarkable hunting feature of the Clouded Leopard is their large canines. According to National Geographic.com, the Clouded Leopard has the largest canine teeth of any wild cat.
Vulnerable to Extinction
Clouded Leopards are found in Southeast Asia and parts of China. In 2007, an additional species of Clouded Leopard was identified in Borneo and Sumatra. The average lifespan of a Clouded Leopard is believed to be eleven years in the wild and seventeen years in captivity. Clouded Leopards are known for their beautiful coats, which are light brown with cloud-like patterns and a partial, double-dorsal stripe. The Clouded Leopard is considered vulnerable to extinction. The greatest threat to their survival is poachers who hunt their pelts. Clouded Leopards are also killed for use in Chinese medicine. They are also threatened by human encroachment on their habitat and habitat destruction.
Darla Sue Dollman - Darla Sue Dollman, BA, MFA, has expertise in classic films, the Old West, boating, and animals.
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