Clouded leopards are very elusive creatures that live in completely secrecy through the dark depths of the South Asian jungles. They are thought to lead a solitary life like all the rest of the feline family. Though they’re mostly nocturnal, some individuals have been seen to be active during the day.
These cats are excellent climbers, at a point they’re perfectly capable of hanging upside down beneath large branches, thanks to their large paws and sharp claws that do secure a good grip, their long, strong tails that help them achieve balance, and their short, powerful legs that are equipped with rotating rear ankles, a fact that allows them to safely climb down in a headfirst posture (see above). Additionally, sharp eyesight helps them calculate distances flawlessly.
Like all big cats, clouded leopards adapt to their environment by having an extensive diet. For this matter, they will hunt either on the ground or among the trees, and will readily catch and eat any available prey no matter how large or insignificantly small (deer, monkeys, wild pigs, birds, rodents…).
The clouded leopard is said to possess one of the strongest bite-forces of all big cats, alongside the tiger and the jaguar. It also has long canine teeth (comparable to that of a saber-toothed cat), an enormous gape at around 100 degrees (in heavy contrast with the lion that can open its mouth at only 65 degrees) and various adaptations to support such a gape.
