The scientific name of the genus, Neofelis, originates from neo, which means “new”, and felis, which means “small cat”, so it literally means new kind of small cat.

This arboreal creature can climb while hanging upsidedown under branches. In captivity, the Clouded Leopard routinely hangs by its hind legs using its long tail for balance and runs head-first down tree trunks.

This medium sized cat has, proportionately, the longest canine teeth - 2 inches, (about the same as a tiger’s) of any living feline.

It's main prey includes: gibbons, macaques, and civets often supplemented by other small mammals, deer, birds, porcupines. As might be expected from the fact that its main source of prey lives in trees, the Clouded Leopard is an excellent climber, spending much of its time in the canopy. However, the Clouded leopard’s habitat is undergoing the world’s fastest regional deforestation (over 10% in the past ten years), increasing the rate at which Clouded leopard numbers in the wild are declining.

Animal skins can often be found on the black market. Wild animals are likely the primary source, but there is also some illegal trade from captive animals. Large numbers of leopard skins have been seen in market surveys. There is also trade in bones for medicines, meat for exotic dishes and live animals for the pet trade.