Neofelis – Meet the Felidae Family

Image from Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Another small genus, neofelis only encompasses two members of the cat family & they are the smallest of the big cats. These animals inhabit the tropical rain forests of southeast Asia.

This genus is distinct from the other cats, they are similar in size to the small cats, but their skull structure is closer to that of the pantherine cat.

The most notable difference being the size of their canines, which are the largest in relation to body size of all cat species.

Found in the Maylay Peninsula, Sumatra & Borneo, the Bornean Clouded Leopard was recognized as it’s own species in 2007. Little is known about this cat due to its secretive & elusive nature.

All clouded leopard populations are low, each subspecies is listed as vulnerable & they are protected by international law.

The Clouded Leopard is found in southern China & Indochina & they have the lightest coat with the largest blotches of all subspecies. As with other spotted cats, they are largely hunted for their fur & have been hunted to extinction on several of their native islands.

All clouded leopard populations are low, each subspecies is listed as vulnerable & they are protected by international law.

Among The Most Beautiful

The patterned cats have to be the most beautiful of them all. Too bad the fur industry feels the same way. Many of the endangered cats have low numbers as a result of hunting for their fur.

Be sure to meet the rest of the family if you haven’t already.

Felis | Lions | Tigers | Prionailurus | Lynx | Leopardus | Leopards | Catopuma