The clouded leopard is seen as one of the species that was involved in the evolutionary divergence between Pantherinae (big cats) and Felinae (small cats). Without the clouded leopard, the world would look very different. 

Though it's now classified in the Felinae family, it's part of its own genus (Neofelis) alongside the Sunda clouded leopard. The leopards you likely think of when hearing the word are part of the Pantherinae family, of which there are roughly eight subspecies. Interestingly, the clouded leopard is not the only 'leopard' that is technically not a leopard, as snow leopards, though part of the Pantherinae family, are known as a monotypic species with their own genus and are said to be closer in relation to a tiger.

Snow leopards, mainland clouded leopards, and Sunda clouded leopards are all classed as vulnerable (though clouded leopards are classified as endangered in the US). I'd also like to say of the eight subspecies of leopard, all are at risk, with two being endangered and three critically endangered. Clouded leopards have been kept in zoos since the early 20th century, with breeding programs starting in the 1980s that have had varying levels of success. Though hunting is illegal, it has not stopped poachers, and clouded leopards face the threats of poaching and habitat loss. The total population is predicted to be less than 10,000.

When I took the above photos, all the way back in 2018, I had no idea clouded leopards existed. Their enclosure was something people seemed to walk by without noticing; they were hard to spot, but I stood and watched them for a while and was lucky enough to see them get their dinner, which they dragged onto their large tower away from eyesight. I very quickly fell for them and was upset to discover they were vulnerable. 

So, what can I do to help clouded leopards?

As I always say, donating to organisations committed to protecting the species is the best way to help, and I will always leave the decision of which organisation up to the reader but will list below a collection of different ones that I am aware of. I recommend doing your own research to decide which organisations you are comfortable with supporting. (Fauna & Flora, Global Conservation, Wildlife Alliance, PDZA)

Living as sustainably as possible is also a great way to help; make sure you research where items you buy come from to make sure they are made ethically. I also understand not everyone is in a situation where they are able to do this, and I always make a point to say do not feel guilty if you are unable to live as sustainably as you can; you are one person who, if you are here, wants to do some good. There are companies out there producing more harm each second than most people do in their entire lives.

Raising awareness is something anyone can do. If you find an organisation you are comfortable supporting but cannot afford to, promoting them is just as good! If you cannot afford to live more sustainably, educating people who may be able to on how to live sustainably is also just as good! If there's an animal you love who is at risk, simply promoting the animal brings more exposure to it and then to conservation efforts.