Latest news with #Neofelisnebulosa
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Assam: Clouded leopard caught on camera for the first time preying on Bengal slow loris
In a remarkable breakthrough for wildlife research, the first-ever photographic evidence of a clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) preying on a Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) has been documented in Assam's Dehing Patkai National Park. Captured on December 7, 2024, by a camera trap installed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department, this rare image offers new insights into the predatory behavior of one of Asia's most elusive big cats. The image, which was captured along a woodland route in the Digboi woodland Division's Saraipung range, shows a clouded leopard holding a Bengal slow loris by the nape. Because the clouded leopard is a nocturnal and elusive creature, it has been difficult to research its food; this new observation helps us better understand it. Read more: Goa achieves 100% literacy: How India's party capital hit this milestone Dehing Patkai National Park, upgraded from a wildlife sanctuary in 2021, spans 234.26 square kilometers and is part of the larger 937-square-kilometer Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve. It is the only protected forest in India that hosts eight wild cat species, including the tiger, common leopard, fishing cat, golden cat, marbled cat, jungle cat, and leopard cat. The camera trap project involved dividing the park into 2-square-kilometer grids, with 95 camera traps strategically placed to monitor the feline population. This systematic approach led to the groundbreaking capture of the clouded leopard's predation event. The study's lead researcher, Bilal Habib, underlined the significance of the discovery, saying that it advances our knowledge of the diet and predatory habits of clouded leopards and emphasises the need for conservation initiatives for both species. Read more: 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh The nocturnal primate noted for its poisonous bite, the Bengal slow loris, is classified as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Its observation as clouded leopard prey increases our understanding of predator-prey dynamics in this biodiverse area. This finding highlights the importance of camera traps in wildlife research by providing insight into the covert lifestyles of elusive species and guiding conservation efforts to save these distinctive residents of the northeastern rainforests of India. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nashville Zoo mourns death of rare clouded leopard cub
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Staff members at the Nashville Zoo are mourning the loss of a clouded leopard cub, who died from intestinal bleeding Friday, just over a month after she was born. 'This cub represented a proud achievement for us and a hopeful future for her species,' said Nashville Zoo President and CEO Rick Schwartz. 'She captured the hearts of millions of people, and we are absolutely devastated.' According to the zoo, the cub was born on Feb. 25. She was the third litter for the mated pair of Niran and Ron but the fourth female cub to be born to Niran. ORIGINAL STORY: Nashville Zoo welcomes new clouded leopard cub Since she was the first and only clouded leopard cub born in a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums this year, officials described the cub's survivability as 'critical' and chose to hand-rear the cub. The cub gained attention across the country over the past few weeks as the zoo posted pictures and videos of her on social media. Then, on Thursday, April 3, the cub developed acute hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), a bleeding into the GI tract, so the Nashville Zoo said its veterinary team reacted immediately and tried to alleviate the issue. However, their efforts were unsuccessful. Officials have yet to determine the cause of the HGE. 'Rest in peace, little one. You will be deeply missed, but your impact on clouded leopard conservation will live on,' the zoo posted on Facebook. This news comes just one week before voting was set to close in the naming contest for the cub. For the past few weeks, people have been asked to pick between three names — Lara, Mi, and Tashi — and donate $1 per vote, with all proceeds going to support Save Vietnam's Wildlife. The winning name was going to be announced on Sunday, April 13. ⏩ 'Clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) are native to the tropical lowlands of Southeast Asia in countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. They are considered vulnerable to extinction according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to deforestation, poaching and pet trade. Precise data on clouded leopard population numbers is not known, but researchers estimate there are around 10,000 clouded leopards in the wild,' the Nashville Zoo said in a statement on Saturday, April 5. 'Specific populations can be difficult to track, as the clouded leopard is among the rarest of the world's cat species and one of the most elusive. The reduced number of pelts encountered at illegal markets and reduced sightings of clouded leopards by people within its range suggest the species is in decline.' The Nashville Zoo said it's part of the Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan, working to protect the species through collaborative breeding programs, assisted reproduction, advanced veterinary care, and captive husbandry techniques. To learn more about the zoo's conservation efforts, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
