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Explore the bornean clouded leopard in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the bornean clouded leopard in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the bornean clouded leopard in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the bornean clouded leopard’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Bornean clouded leopard
Scientific name: Neofelis diardi
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: FELIDAE
Group: Mammals
Sensitivity to human approach: Very shy
Minimum approach distance: 50 m
Rut period: January to March
Gestation: 85–93 jours
Births: March to April
Habitat:
Tropical rainforests and cloud forests
Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.
Identification and description:
The Bornean clouded leopard is a large forest-dwelling cat, measuring 70–110 cm excluding tail, with a distinctive cloud-patterned coat against a pale background. Endemic to Borneo and Sumatra, it inhabits tropical rainforests and cloud forests at low to mid elevations, moving adeptly both on the ground and in the canopy. Solitary and crepuscular, it is an expert hunter of mammals, birds, and reptiles thanks to its strong limbs and tail.
Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Photograph the Bornean clouded leopard from a distance using a telephoto lens of ≥400 mm from a raised hide in the forest, before dawn or after dusk when activity is highest. Position yourself discreetly, use a fast shutter speed to freeze its agile movements, and a shallow depth of field to isolate its spotted coat against the foliage.
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