Clouded leopard  (Neofelis nebulosa)

Deforestation resulting from commercial logging and the growth of human settlements is thought to be the foremost threat to this species (2). Not only does deforestation remove the clouded leopard’s own shelter and habitat, but it reduces the abundance of prey species (4). Another major threat is the hunting of this cat for its beautiful pelt and decorative teeth, as well as its bones, which are prized in the traditional Asian medicinal trade (4) (7). Clouded leopards have even featured on the menu of restaurants in Thailand and China which cater to wealthy Asian tourists (4).

The clouded leopard receives national protection through hunting regulation or bans in many of the countries that it occupies, as well as international protection through its listing on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (1) (3). This species also occurs in a number of protected areas, which should help to provide a refuge from the catastrophic deforestation occurring within its range (1).

In order to ensure the survival of the clouded leopard, significant efforts are being made to breed and maintain healthy captive populations. Through the Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), the American Zoo and Aquarium Association currently administers the collective management of all clouded leopards in North American zoos (11). Unfortunately, captive-breeding is proving problematic for this species, due to male aggression, decreased breeding activity and high cub mortality. Nevertheless, a partnership between the Smithsonian National Zoo, the Nashville Zoo the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, and the clouded leopard SSP is working to develop a clouded leopard breeding program in Thai zoos. It is hoped that this international collaboration will help to overcome captive-breeding difficulties and inspire further conservation efforts for this imperilled species (12).