New Species of Clouded Leopard Discovered

[Evil Chris]

A new species of Leopard? While I think that's incredible, how is it possible for mankind to miss a species of mammal? It's probably normal (even regular) that new species of insects are found since they are so small and abundant, but a mammal the size of a human?

That's extraordinary!

[Cyndalie]

Originally Posted by Evil Chris

A new species of Leopard? While I think that's incredible, how is it possible for mankind to miss a species of mammal? It's probably normal (even regular) that new species of insects are found since they are so small and abundant, but a mammal the size of a human?

That's extraordinary!

This is a typical clouded leopard

For 100 years they thought it was the same species, until they did an DNA analysis on the Borneo leopard.

Genetic tests by researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute revealed that the clouded leopard of Borneo and Sumatra islands is a unique cat species and not the same one found in mainland Southeast Asia as long believed, said a statement by WWF, the global conservation organization.

"Who said a leopard can never change its spots? For over a hundred years we have been looking at this animal and never realized it was unique," said Stuart Chapman, WWF International Coordinator of the Heart of Borneo program, which is dedicated to preserving the flora and fauna in the deep jungles on Borneo.

The secretive clouded leopards are the biggest predators on Borneo, growing sometimes to the size of a small panther. They have the longest canine teeth relative to body size of any cat.

The Borneo clouded leopard is darker than the mainland species and has many distinct spots within its small cloud markings. It also has a grayer fur, and a double dorsal stripe.

Clouded leopards from the mainland have fewer and fainter markings within large clouds on their skin. They are also lighter in color.

"It's incredible that no one has ever noticed these differences." said Andrew Kitchener from the Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums, Scotland, reports AP.

A total of 5,000 to 11,000 Bornean clouded leopards are estimated to live in the jungles of Borneo. The total number in Sumatra could be in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 individuals. The cats' biggest threat is destruction of their habitat.