CLOUDED LEOPARD of SABAH
Evolution of Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
The Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) was formerly known as four subspecies, N. n. diardi, N. n. macrosceloides, N. n. nebulosa, and N. n. brachyuran. Interestingly, the population range of the N. n. brachyuran was restricted to Taiwan Island. Sadly, this sub-species has been announced to extinct due to the habitat loss and depletion of its’ food resources.
How does the evolution of this night hunter started?
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The Neofelis nebulosa was separated as two subspecies namely the N. n. diardi and N. n. nebulosa in the year 2008 based on the differences of their genetic and geography. Both sub-species were then renamed as Neofelis nebulosa (of which, its’ population ranges across the mainland South-east Asia and Neofelis diardi (found to be inhabiting the isolated islands of Sumatra and Borneo). The researchers believed that the changes of the genetics of these two sub-species happen starting from the Pleistocene period. During the Ice Age (Pleistocene) period, it was believed that the Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo are all connected forming a continent (as shown in Figure 1). However, due to climate change causing the rise of the sea level, the land bridge began to occur separating the Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo Island. Hence, due to this event, the genetics of the Mainland Clouded Leopard and Sunda Clouded Leopard began to slowly changed over the years in order to adapt with the new environment. The Sumatra and Borneo Island still share the same sub-species of the Sunda Clouded Leopard. However, there was a study stating the differences of the Sunda Clouded Leopard between two lands but it was able to be statistically proven. Therefore, up until now the sub-species of the Neofelis diardi is still unknown and have yet to be discovered in the future. But, will there still be an opportunity to uncover the mystery if the depletion of natural habitat continues to occur in the land of Borneo?
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Figure 1: Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra were connected forming a continent during the Pleistocene period. (Alfaro et al., 2004)
The risk that is faced by Sunda Clouded Leopard
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According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) redlist, the Sunda Clouded Leopard (as shown in Photo 1) is currently categorized as Vulnerable status as a result from forest degradation, habitat loss and poaching activity. This magnificent creature is also one of the fully protected species under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Therefore, we encouraged each and every one of us to play role in supporting the conservation work and research of this species to ensure that population will be able to sustain in the forest. You can even do so by supporting our team to continue conducting the conservation work of Sunda Clouded Leopard in Sabah by simply clicking on the “Donate Now” button to donate. Your donation will surely give hope for a better future of this species in Sabah.
Photo 1: The image of a Sunda Clouded Leopard captured by camera trap
(Credit to: Ms. Kee Sze Lue)
Article prepared by:
Ms. Kee Sze Lue
