Formosan Clouded Leopard Fact Sheet

Common Name: Formosan Clouded Leopard

Scientific Name: Neofelis nebulosa brachyura

Wild Status: Extinct

Habitat: Tropical/Subtropical and Broadleaf/Mixed forests

Country: Taiwan

Shelter: Forests and Mountainous regions

Life Span: Estimated 8-15 years

Size: Estimated 27 to 43 inches long

Details:

The Formosan Clouded Leopard was a leopard that was believed to live in Taiwan, and first published in 1862. The last known sighting was in 1983, and the species was listed officially extinct in 2013. However there has long been debate over whether this subspecies even existed, or if they were just specimens of the endangered Clouded Leopard. They have achieved an almost mythical status, as many of the sighting and reports in the 1980's and 90's have not been verified. Hundreds of camera traps were set up in the environment of the Formosan Clouded Leopard, however after over a decade of studying and waiting with no sightings, this subspecies was declared extinct.

Cool Facts:

• The Formosan Clouded Leopard was believed to differ from the Clouded Leopard by having a shorter tail • After the Formosan Black Bear, the Formosan Clouded Leopard was believed to be the largest carnivore in Taiwan • The main causes leading to their extinction were habitat degradation/loss, and overhunting for their skin.

Taxonomic Breakdown:

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Suborder: Feliformia Family: Felidae Subfamily: Pantherinae Genus: Neofelis Species: N. nebulosa Subspecies: N. n. brachyura

Conservation & Helping:

The Formosan Clouded Leopard was endemic to Taiwan, and the last confirmed sighting was in 1983. Scientists have used camera traps and surveyed the habitat in the early 2000's, but it is believed they are now completely extinct.

Download all our fact sheets, take our quizzes, and more, all in the Critter Squad Kids’ Zone! https://www.crittersquad.com/kids-zone/