A review of our current knowledge of clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa)

TL;DR

This review consolidates current knowledge on clouded leopards, highlighting their ecology, behavior, and conservation status, while emphasizing the need for further targeted research to inform effective conservation strategies.

Contribution

It synthesizes existing literature on clouded leopards, providing updated insights into their ecology, activity patterns, and population estimates, and identifies gaps for future research.

Findings

Population density estimates range from 0.58 to 6.53 per 100 km2.

Radio telemetry shows arrhythmic activity with peaks in morning and crepuscular hours.

Home range sizes are approximately 34-44 km2 for both sexes.

Abstract

Little is known about clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa), who have a vulnerable population that extends across southern Asia. We reviewed the literature and synthesized what is known about their ecology and behavior. Much of the published literature either note detections within and on the edges of their range, or are anecdotal observations, many of which are decades if not over a century old. Clouded leopards are a medium-sized felid, with distinctive cloud-shape markings, and notably long canines relative to skull size. Estimates for population densities range from 0.58 to 6.53 individuals per 100 km2. Only 7 clouded leopards have been tracked via radio-collars, and home range estimates range from 33.6-39.7 km2 for females and 35.5-43.5 km2 for males. Most accounts describe clouded leopards as nocturnal, but radio telemetry studies showed that clouded leopards have arrhythmic activity patterns, with highest activity in the morning followed by evening crepuscular hours. There has never been a targeted study of clouded leopard diet, but observations show that they consume a variety of animals, including ungulates, primates, and rodents. We encourage future study of their population density and range to inform conservation efforts, and ecological studies in order to understand the species and its ecological niche.