Wild cats: Clouded leopard. Clouded leopards (series "Rare species") Clouded leopard

Clouded leopard, contrary to its name, has nothing to do with leopards. This is one of ancient species feline, preserved on the territory of the Earth. Anatomical structure the mouth allows him to publish a true cat's purr, but this is where the similarity of this dangerous predator with pets ends.

Large (as tall as a sheepdog), with a flexible elongated body, short wide paws and huge fangs, spotted leopard can hunt under the cover of night and in the light of day, which distinguishes it from most predators. The basis of his diet is made up of monkeys, birds and wild goats, but with luck, the leopard will not refuse to eat pigs or deer. The beast tracks down its prey, hiding on a tree, or attacks it from the ground.

The main value is the fur of a smoky leopard. The main background of the coat has a noble marble-gray hue with a slight yellowish haze. A pattern of clearly defined rings and rosettes is scattered throughout the body - dark at the edges and brighter towards the middle. Surprisingly, each element of the animal pattern is unique.

In the past, the leopard was brutally exterminated because of the precious skin. And now many poachers, despite strict measures, continue to destroy animals. But the main threat to the population is the cutting down of relic rainforest- the main habitat of the clouded leopard. Unfortunately, one of the subspecies of animals, the Taiwan clouded leopard, has already been irrevocably exterminated. The rest are on the verge of extinction and are listed in the Red Book.

Video: clouded leopard cubs born at the main zoo in Paris. I must say that these animals are very gkj)