Quick answer
Clouded leopards are medium-sized Asian cats named for cloud-like spots on their coat, with the longest canine teeth relative to body size among living cats. They climb head-first down tree trunks, hunt in tropical forests from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia, and are listed Vulnerable.
Key takeaway
Clouded leopards are medium-sized Asian cats named for cloud-like spots on their coat, with the longest canine teeth relative to body size among living cats. They climb head-first down tree trunks, hunt in tropical forests from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia, and are listed Vulnerable.
Clouded Leopard overview
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a mammal listed here as Vulnerable. Typical weight 11–23 kg (24–51 lb); males larger; lifespan around 11–15 years in the wild.
Clouded Leopard ecology
Diet: Carnivore — deer, monkeys, birds, and porcupines. Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests of South and Southeast Asia. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Clouded Leopards and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild clouded leopards are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Vulnerable. See the full Clouded Leopard profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Arboreal mastery
Clouded leopards have flexible ankles that rotate backward, allowing them to descend trees head-first and hang from branches. They hunt both on the ground and in the canopy, taking prey from muntjac deer to monkeys and birds.
Distinctive appearance
Large cloud-shaped blotches on a tawny or grey coat provide camouflage in dappled forest light. Their short legs and long tail aid balance in trees. Canine teeth are proportionally as long as those of big cats much larger in body size.
Sources
Clouded Leopard FAQs
What are key facts about clouded leopards?
Clouded leopards are medium-sized Asian cats named for cloud-like spots on their coat, with the longest canine teeth relative to body size among living cats. They climb head-first down tree trunks, hunt in tropical forests from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia, and are listed Vulnerable.
What is the scientific name of the clouded leopard?
Neofelis nebulosa — used in research and conservation listings for clouded leopards.
What do clouded leopards eat?
Clouded Leopards eat deer, monkeys, birds, and porcupines, with seasonal and regional variation in Tropical and subtropical forests of South and Southeast Asia.
Where do clouded leopards live?
They are associated with Tropical and subtropical forests of South and Southeast Asia. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of clouded leopards?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.