clouded leopards - physical characteristics
The clouded leopard has a large build and, proportionately, the longest canine teeth (2 in, about the same as a tiger's) of any living feline.
These characteristics led early researchers to speculate that it preyed on large land-dwelling mammals. However, while remarkably little
is known about the natural history and behavioral habits of this species in the wild, it is now thought that its primary prey includes
arboreal and terrestrial mammals, particularly gibbons, and macaques, supplemented by other small mammals, deer, birds, porcupines, and
domestic livestock. The clouded leopard has 5 toes like most big cats.
In conjunction with the fact that some of its prey lives in trees, the clouded leopard is an excellent climber. Short, flexible legs, large
paws, and keen claws combine to make it very sure-footed. The clouded leopard can possess a tail as long as its body, further aiding in
balance. Surprisingly, the cat can climb while hanging upside-down under branches and descend tree trunks head-first.
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