Close Ad

Remarkable Leopard Thought to Be Extinct Spotted for First Time in Over 35 Years
Uplifting News

Remarkable Leopard Thought to Be Extinct Spotted for First Time in Over 35 Years

A sign of hope for the elusive species.

In 2013, the Formosan clouded leopard was declared extinct, after avoiding detection by humans for years. The predatory cat was finally spotted twice in an isolated part of Taiwan, after a years-long project dedicated to capturing the animal on camera failed to do so.

The population is listed as extinct on the IUCN Red List-- the world's most comprehensive database of the conservation status of biological species.


The Formosan clouded leopard, or just the clouded leopard, was last spotted officially in 1983. However, many close to the study of the animal are unsurprised by the spotting. According to National Taitung University's Department of Life Science professor Liu Chiung-hsi, the leopard is deliberately elusive, and skilled at avoiding human contact.

Its namesake cloud-like fur markings double as camouflage, and the leopard has developed physical traits that help it disguise as well. Liu Chiung-hsi has believed that the animal still exists even before the recent spotting, and that it has kept a low profile as a survival mechanism.

An Incredibly Talented and Fascinating Animal

Image 103 1100x619
(Taipei Times)

According to One Earth, a nonprofit organization working to accelerate collective action to solve the climate crisis, the Formosan clouded leopard is an incredible climber, reaching great heights in forest trees.

It is also exceptionally nimble at staying above ground, having adapted to a life in the trees by developing rotating ankles for agility, and long teeth to help grasp prey up where they can’t free their paws to help. The animal can also climb headfirst down a tree, something very few cats in the animal kingdom can do.

“They are phenomenal athletes. They can climb like no cat I’ve ever seen. They can hang from one paw; hang upside down. I have seen them do stuff that is just amazing!” said Bonnie Breitbeil, the Clouded Leopard SSP Coordinator and International Studbook Keeper for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Pictured below, the clouded leopard is not closely related to the leopard, and has its own genus--Neofelis--separate from the big cats. In 2006, the single species of clouded leopard was split in two. Neofelis nebulosa is found on the Asian mainland, while Neofelis diardi, the Sunda clouded leopard, occurs only on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. The cat recently believed to be extinct is yet another subspecies (Neofelis nebulosa brachyura)-- only found in Taiwan.

Humans Have Jeopardized the Species

Specifically, it was rangers —  appointed by the Paiwan Tribe — of the Alangyi Village who claimed to see the animals scrambling up trees in Taitung County. The Paiwan Tribe, which calls the leopard "Li' uljaw," wants to help make it easier for the cats to show themselves. A group of village elders urged the Forestry Bureau to stop activities such as logging, which are understandably keeping the rare leopards at bay.

Until then, they will remain on the extinct species list. Perhaps it is a good thing that the leopard has avoided human contact, as Liu Chiung-hsi said he had spoken with hunters of the Bunun people, an aboriginal group native to Taiwan, who admitted to capturing and killing an undisclosed number of clouded leopards in the late 1990s.

RELATED: Dad Calls Repairman to Fix Broken Furnace – Is Taken Aback When He Finds What the Company Has Charged Him

Though many humans fawn over the appearance of the leopard, perhaps human interest in the animal has done more harm than good. However, this rare sighting has given hope that the clouded leopard population may be more resilient than previously thought.

The clouded leopard may be elusive and rare, but it is a vital part of the ecosystem and its conservation is crucial for the health of the forest and all its biodiversity; the discovery of this clouded leopard has sparked renewed conservation efforts, and for good reason.

KEEP READING:

Electrician Fixes Struggling Couple’s Wiring in the Dead of Winter for Free—So They Make It Their Mission to Pay Back His Kindness

Hot Stories

Leonardo DiCaprio Told Kate Winslet To “Let The Fat Girl Thing Go”
Leo Dicaprio Told Kate Winslet To “Let The Fat Girl Thing Go” …

Forced to feel ashamed for her weight and appearance, Kate Winslet struggled with her body image for years. The media loved to tease her for being “the fat girl,” but there was ONE PERSON who saw the real her. What did Leo see in Kate? And what important message does Kate have for young women everywhere?


Keep ReadingShow less
Videos
Woman at a restaurant's window and two teen employees.

Teens Applauded For the Way They Handled This Angry Customer

Instagram/ @kekessnowballs

Working in customer service can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with rude and demanding clients. That’s particularly true for some teens, who work these jobs for part-time money and are often bullied by adults. Perhaps that’s why people are applauding these teen girls for the way they expertly handled an over-the-top customer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uplifting News
Man standing with two daughters, a black purse and a handwritten note (inset)

Grieving Daughter Finds Note In Fossil Purse While Thrifting

Courtesy Anna Harp and Courtesy of Abrielle Clausing (via People.com)

Thrifting can net all sorts of treasures. Shoppers can snatch up everything from vintage clothes to mid-century modern furniture to kitschy knick-knacks, all without breaking the bank.

But for one grieving woman, she found a hidden gem that was truly priceless.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uplifting News