Portal:Indonesia/AOTW/31, 2007

The Bornean Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a medium-sized wild cat found on Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia. Its coat is marked with irregularly-shaped, dark-edged ovals which are said to be shaped like clouds, hence its common name.

Though scientists have known of its existence since the early 19th century, it was positively identified as being a distinct species in its own right in 2006, having long been believed to be a subspecies of the mainland Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).

The habits of the Bornean Clouded Leopard are largely unknown because of the animal's secretive nature. It is assumed that it is generally a solitary creature. However, recent studies estimate the population to be between 5,000 and 11,000 great cats left on Borneo, and 3,000 to 7,000 on Sumatra. Encroachment on natural habitat, primarily by logging and the planting of rubber and palm oil plantations, continues to threaten the whole fauna of Borneo, including the Bornean Clouded Leopard. (Read More...)