Clouded Leopard

The clouded leopards, the beautiful Asian cat, roam about the hunting grounds of Asia from the rain forests of Indonesia to the foothills of the Nepali Himalayas. Most cats are good climbers, but the clouded leopard is near the top of its class. These big cats can even hang upside down beneath large branches, using their large paws and sharp claws to secure a good grip. Clouded leopards have short, powerful legs equipped with rotating rear ankles that allow them to safely down-climb in a headfirst posture like a common squirrel. Sharp eyesight helps them judge distances well, and the cats use their long tails to maintain balance. Though they are good climbers, they do most of their hunting on the ground feasting on deer, pigs, monkeys , squirrels or birds.