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Django arrived at the Sanctuary in October 2024 from Paira Daiza Zoo in Belgium to join female Bua
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Both Django and Bua are both part of the co-ordinated breeding programme, they are considered a good genetic match
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It is hoped that the two cats will get along well and be able to be mixed creating an opportunity for cubs in the future
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Django is a confident and vocal cat who is extremely inquisitive, he enjoys pole and scatter feeds and loves venison
Django was very quick to settle into his new home after the journey from Paira Daiza Zoo and it wasn’t long before he was seen exploring his new surroundings. This handsome and confident cat was quick to be chatting and chuffing to his keepers at feed times.
He also demonstrates what remarkable climbers Clouded leopards are, one of their most fascinating abilities is to descend trees headfirst. This is a feat achieved by very few cat species which the pole feed helps to encourage.
Django 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.