Clouded Leopard 30cm - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
The Clouded Leopard has a tan or tawny coat and is distinctively marked with large, irregularly-shaped, dark-edged ellipses which are said to be shaped like clouds. The average Clouded Leopard typically weighs between 15 and 23 kg and has a shoulder height of 25 to 40 cm. Short flexible legs, large paws and sharp claws combine to make it very sure-footed in the canopy. The Clouded Leopard's tail can be as long as its body, further aiding in balance giving it a squirrel-like agility. They normally live for 11 years.

Habitat
The Clouded Leopard is found only in Southeast Asia and ranges through Southern China (at least as far North as Wuyi Shan), the Eastern Himalayas, Nepal, Northeast India, Bangladesh and Indochina. Its preferred habitat is tropical and subtropical forests at altitudes up to about 2,000m, however it is sometimes found in mangrove swamps and grassland.

Behaviour
The behaviour of the Clouded Leopard in the wild are virtually unknown to man because of the animal's reclusive nature. With a lack of evidence for a pack or pride-society like that of the lion, it is assumed that it is a generally solitary creature.

Breeding
Females give birth to a litter of 2 to 4 cubs once a year after a gestation period of about 85 to 93 days. Initially the young are blind and helpless. Unlike adults, the kittens' spots are "solid" - completely dark rather than dark rings. The cubs can see within about 10 days of birth, are active within 5 weeks and become independent at about 10 months of age.

Diet
Clouded leopards particularly hunt gibbons, macaques and civets supplemented by other small mammals, deer, birds, porcupines and domestic livestock.

Strange and Interesting Facts
The Lukai people of Thailand consider the Clouded Leopard to be their spiritual ancestor who led them to their homeland.