Clouded leopard  (Neofelis nebulosa)

The clouded leopard has amazing tree climbing abilities, and has been seen running head-first down tree trunks, climbing about on the underside of branches, and hanging upside down by its hind feet with the tail providing balance. The ability to climb trees allows it to forage for food in the canopy, although it mainly uses the tree branches for resting. This species also swims well and has been found on small islands off the mainland in the past (7). Hunting generally takes place at night, with peaks of activity at dusk and dawn (1). Prey is either stalked on the ground or ambushed from above (2). It was originally thought that the long canines were for preying on large ungulates (8), though recent studies show that this species feeds on a variety of terrestrial and arboreal prey including primates, birds, slow lorises, ground squirrels, pangolins, porcupines, and hog deer (1).

Clouded leopards are believed to be solitary, except when breeding or accompanied by cubs (10). However, little is known about their biology due to their elusiveness and so most information comes from captive individuals (2). The gestation period is between 86 and 93 days, and the female bears between one and five cubs, each weighing around 150 to 280 grams (4). Born with much darker side markings than the adults they are nursed for up to five months (2). It is not known how long the clouded leopard lives for in the wild, but captive individuals have lived for up to seventeen years (4).