International Clouded Leopard Day | History | Characteristics | Conservation | Habitat

International Clouded Leopard Day is celebrated on the 4^th of August every year. This day raises awareness about Clouded Leopard. It also highlights the importance of Clouded Leopard Conservation and the protection of Clouded Leopard Habitat. Moreover, this day also highlights the challenges they face. These challenges include habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade. It is also called Mainland Clouded Leopard. Clouded Leopard Characteristics are distinctive. They are well known for their cloud-like coat patterns. This pattern gives them their name and provides camouflage in their habitats.

International Leopard Day and its Characteristics 

History of International Clouded Leopard Day

International Clouded Leopard Day was established to promote Clouded Leopard conservation. Howletts Wild Animal Park laid the foundation for this in 2018. Furthermore, this park is located near Canterbury in Kent, England. Importantly, this is a renowned wildlife park dedicated to conserving endangered species. Howlett’s Wild Animal Park was established in 1957 by John Aspinall and operated by the Aspinall Foundation. However, the Aspinall Foundation is an Animal Conservation Charity. This foundation is dedicated to returning rare and endangered animals to their natural habitats. The day was first celebrated on August 4, 2018. However, this organization supports the conservation and preservation of endangered species worldwide.

ٹائیگر کا عالمی دن ; ٹائیگر کی خصوصیات، مسکن اور تحفظ کیلئے اقدامات

Clouded Leopard Characteristics

These leopards belong to the genus Neofelis. Moreover, there are two species of this Leopard. And these are genetically distinct from each other. One is Neofelis nebulosa called the clouded leopard, and Neofelis diardi called the Sunda clouded leopard. They are the most ancient cat species having a hyoid bone.

They have ossified hyoid bone. Due to, this hyoid bone they can purr like other small cats, but they cannot roar. Moreover, these are medium-sized cats. They have dense and distinctive coats with large, cloud-like markings outlined in black. The base color of their fur ranges from yellow to light brown. It provides them excellent camouflage in their forested habitats.

They have long and bushy tail nearly the same length as their body. This tail provides them balance and helps them during climbing and jumping between trees. They have strong and short legs. They have broad paws equipped with sharp and retractable claws. Due to this, they are excellent climbers. Their hind limbs are longer than front limbs. Hind limbs are particularly muscular which allows them to leap great distances.

More importantly, their distinctive physical characteristic is their ankle joints. They have specialized rotating joints in their ankle. So, it allows the ankle to rotate 180 degrees. This ankle joint helps them descend trees head-first, like squirrels. In addition, these leopards have the largest canine teeth measuring up to 4 cm.

Habitat and Distribution

They have a widespread distribution across South and Southeast Asia. However, they are found from the Himalayan foothills in Nepal, Bhutan, and India to Myanmar, southeastern Bangladesh, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and south of the Yangtze River in China. Mostly, they inhibit in tropical rainforests but also journey into grassland, scrubland, and wetlands.

Clouded Leopard Conservation

Each species on Earth has its own unique role in maintaining the ecological balance in the ecosystem. These are endangered species. Their population is declining due to Habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the habitat of this animal for its conservation.

Endangered Species Categories and Details 

Clouded Leopard Working Group works for the Conservation of this animal and other wild animals. Moreover, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium plays a huge role in the conservation of these leopards. So, members of the Point Defiance Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) started the Project for these animals in 2000. This project is started to bring more attention to these leopards. However, CLP is a conservation initiative dedicated to the preservation of these leopards and their habitats.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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