Clouded leopard

The name comes from the distinctive cloud-shaped markings of their coats which make clouded leopards unmistakable. The fur is marked with elliptical blotches of a darker colour than the background and the posterior edge of each blotch is partially framed in black. The blotches sit on a background field that varies from yellowish brown to dark gray. They form ovals, circles, and rosettes. The under parts are white or pale tawny. Melanistic specimens have been reported. The muzzle is white and solid black spots mark the forehead and cheeks. The nose pad is pink. The ears are short and round. Two solid black bars run from behind the ears along the back of the neck down to the shoulder blades. The forehead, legs, and base of tail have dark solid spots. The long, bushy tail is ringed with black and is almost as long as the head and body. They have short, stout legs. The hind limbs are longer than the forelimbs. The paws are broad with hard pads. The skull is long and narrow. Adult clouded leopards have brownish-yellow or grayish-green eyes and the pupils contract into vertical slits. There is no marked sexual dimorphism in clouded leopards, although females are slightly smaller. In juveniles, lateral spots are solid, not clouded. These will change by the time the animal is approximately six months old. Clouded leopards weigh 16 – 23 kg, with an average of 20 kg. They are 62 – 107 cm long and stand 50 – 60 cm tall.

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