-
Bua arrived to The Big Cat Sanctuary in June 2024 from Howlett's Wild Animal Park
-
Bua is part of the co-ordinated breeding programme for Clouded leopards
-
She has been recommended to join breeding partner Django at the Sanctuary
-
It is hoped that Bua and Django might be mixed and possibly produce cubs in the future
Bua was born at Howlett’s Wild Animal Park where she remained until she was given the recommendation to move to join us here at the Sanctuary.
This perfectly petite Clouded leopard is stunningly beautiful and very typical of this nocturnal cat species choosing to make appearances between dusk and dawn. She is usually seen on her high-rise walkways, almost as soon as she thinks people are no longer around.
She is settling in well, whilst she is shy – she is keen to receive her meals, her favourite food appears to be quail! Her new enclosure has been designed to provide her with plenty of enrichment, Clouded leopards are a notoriously illusive, nocturnal and arboreal species native to mainland Asia and the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Bua will soon be available for adoption.
The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a striking and elusive wild cat species native to the forests of Southeast Asia. Known for its beautiful coat adorned with large cloud-like markings, this medium-sized feline is a symbol of the rich biodiversity in its range. Despite its name, the Clouded leopard is not closely related to true leopards, making it a unique member of the feline family.
Clouded leopards inhabit a broad yet fragmented range that stretches from the Himalayan foothills through Southeast Asia, including countries like Nepal, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They are also found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. These cats primarily thrive in tropical and subtropical forests, although they can adapt to mangrove swamps and secondary forests.
The exact population size of clouded leopards is unknown due to their secretive nature and challenging habitats. However, they are considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with populations declining due to habitat loss and poaching. Subspecies like the Sunda Clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), found in Borneo and Sumatra, are also threatened.
Clouded leopards are arboreal and nocturnal, spending much of their time in trees. They are excellent climbers, aided by their long tails for balance and powerful limbs. These cats are solitary and secretive, communicating through scent markings, vocalizations and body language. They are known for their elusive nature making them one of the least-studied wild cats.
The diet of clouded leopards consists primarily of monkeys, squirrels, deer, wild boars and even porcupines. With strong jaws and sharp teeth, they can tackle prey larger than themselves. Their arboreal lifestyle allows them to ambush prey from above.
Clouded leopards face numerous threats in the wild including:
- Habitat Loss: Deforestation for agriculture, logging and infrastructure development severely reduces their habitat.
- Poaching: They are hunted for their pelts, bones, and teeth, which are valued in illegal wildlife trade.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: As humans encroach on their habitats, encounters can lead to retaliation killings.
- Fragmentation: Habitat fragmentation isolates populations, reducing genetic diversity and increasing vulnerability.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats, implementing anti-poaching measures and raising awareness about the species’ plight. Protected areas and wildlife corridors are crucial to their survival. Additionally, research initiatives aim to better understand their ecology and behavior to support their conservation.