Clouded leopard - a formidable predator of the tropics

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Clouded leopard does not belong to the same species, so it can be identified as a new genus that have occupied an intermediate position between the large and small cats.This predator has the characteristics of both the first and second.On the one hand, looking at the impressive size of this handsome, very difficult to attribute it to a kind of small cats but on the other - it is only one of the big cats can purr.

Despite its name, this predator is not in direct relationship with these leopards.Clouded leopard has a body length of 60-100 cm, the tail can be up to 90 cm, weight of 20 to 30 kg.Predator is a surprisingly short and thick with bare legs and hard calluses that allow it to easily climb trees.Leopard also has large fangs that gives the right to call him a saber-toothed.

thick coat of yellow, gray or dark brown with whimsical patterns as ovals, circles and rosettes to determine that this is the clouded leopard.Photos in which the animal is depicted on the tree - not a rarity, since they are excellent climbing on the branches, and from there looking out for their victims.It helps keep the balance leopards long tail.

homeland clouded leopard can be considered South Asia.

This predator is found in southern China, in Nepal, in Sumatra, Sikkim, Kalimantan.

Clouded leopard lives in impassable thickets of tropical forests, swamps and thickets near the bushes.

birds, porcupines, goats, pigs, monkeys, young buffalo, deer - all on one prefers to hunt wild cat.

Leopard can attack both from the ground and from the branches.It is mostly nocturnal predator, although in some cases it may hunt during the day.

One female can give birth to one to five cubs.Pregnancy lasts about three months.

gives birth to a female in a hollow tree, a kitten weighs about 250 g Kids are born completely defenseless and blind eyes are opened only after 10 days, they grow very slowly.

kittens initially covered only gray or yellow fur, and by six months in the first spots appear as an adult leopard.

Within five months they are fed breast milk, but with three months already, and may consume adult food.

kittens gain independence in the first 9 months, then they can completely do without the mother.The conditions of breeding leopards from early spring to late summer.Clouded leopard lives to 17 years, but it is under detention.Life expectancy in the wild is unknown.Predators live alone, the only exception is during the breeding season.

clouded leopard a very careful and sensitive, try to avoid humans, so it is difficult to see them in the tropics.Thanks mottled color, they are perfectly camouflaged, like to spend time in the trees, where the rest on the branches, basking in the sun.The body of the leopard is very flexible, allowing them to move quietly, slowly creeping to the victim, and to make a long jump.They run very fast, so the victim has virtually no chance to escape from persecution.