International Clouded Leopard Day (ICLD) is an international awareness day to increase the enslavement of clouded leopards and wildlife. It is celebrated each year on 4th August and first Clouded Leopard Day was celebrated by the Aspinall Foundation on 4th August 2018 at Howlett’s Wild Animal Park, Kent, in the United Kingdom. The ICLD organizers are Lauren Amos and Dan Kemp, two carnivorous keepers from Howletts who work daily basis with this shy and obscure species.
These beautiful and shy species inhabit in the Central and Southeast Asia. The Cloud Leopard (Neofelis nebulosi)) also known as the Mainland Cloud Leopard that is endemic to the Asian mainland. A second species called Sunda Cloud Leopard (Neofelis diardi) lives in Borneo and Sumatra. Cloud leopards fall into the small category of large cats, and their low center of gravity make them excellent climbers. However, despite their name, they are not a leopard. They are a separate and ancient species of cat.
According to the current estimation fewer than 10,000 clouded leopards live in the wild. Their shrinking habitat and illegal hunting for their fur create are a constant threat to their population. Very little is known about these cats and since they are shy and nocturnal, conservationists try to learn about their reproduction and lifestyle. This information helps them manage their population. Like most shy animals, cloud leopards do not breed in captivity. However, Howlett’s Wildlife Sanctuary (the main sponsor of the day) play a key role to make the breeding success.
Cover Photo – Khaled Azam Noor/Shutterstock
