Surprising new research reveals the existence of two completely separate species of clouded leopards. In a study comparing differences in clouded leopard coat patterns and coloration throughout the cat's range, researchers concluded that individuals found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra are markedly different from animals found on the Southeast Asian mainland. These observations have been supported by genetic testing that determined the two populations of clouded leopards are so distinct as to warrant classifying them as different species. Researchers estimate that the two species diverged approximately 1.5 million years ago due to geographical isolation.

Photo: Alain Compost/WWF-Canon

Instead of their prior classification as a clouded leopard subspecies ( Neofelis nebulosa diardi ), animals in Borneo and Sumatra would be re-classified as a new species, Neofelis diardi , possibly to be named the Sundaland clouded leopard. Furthermore, genetic tests revealed that the clouded leopards previously described as a subspecies from Taiwan ( N.n. brachyurus ) and India and Nepal ( N. n. macrosceloides ) are not distinct enough to warrant those subspecific classifications. Instead all mainland clouded leopards would be considered the same species ( N. n. nebulosa ).

The coat patterns of clouded leopards from Borneo and Sumatra differ from mainland animals by having smaller and darker cloud markings and a darker overall coat color.
Although these differences and the results of the genetic testing are convincing, researchers emphasize that more study is still needed. Only three samples from Borneo were analyzed so more individuals need to be examined to determine if the same conclusion can apply to the entire population.

If the new classification of two clouded leopard species and the elimination of other subspecies holds up to more scientific scrutiny it will have significant implications for the conservation of both species. First, mainland clouded leopards could be managed as a single species without concern for geographical variations. This is especially important in the case of the extinct Taiwanese clouded leopard, formerly classified as a subspecies. Additionally, Borneo and Sumatra face some of the highest deforestation rates in the world, therefore more field research and conservation efforts of the new species should be a priority. Populations of clouded leopards are unknown, although one extremely rough estimate numbers the Borneo and Sumatran population at 8,000-18,000.

For more information on these new developments please see the following articles:

Kitchener, Andrew C., Mark A. Beaumont, and Douglas Richardson. Geographical Variation in the Clouded Leopard, Neofelis nebulosa, Reveals Two Species. Current Biology 16, 2377-2383, December 5, 2006 .

Buckley-Beason, Valerie A. et. al. Molecular Evidence for Species-Level Distinction in Clouded Leopards. Current Biology 16, 2371-2376, December 5, 2006.