Published March 2, 2011
A camera trap has caught one of the world's most elusive cats on film for the first time, conservationists say.
The Sundaland clouded leopard—only identified as its own species in 2007—was spotted recently in Indonesia's Berbak National Park on the island of Sumatra (see map), according to the Zoological Society London (ZSL).
Previously the cat was believed to be of the same species as the mainland clouded leopard.
"This footage is further evidence of the rich wildlife found in Berbak National Park, and is yet another reason why it [is] essential that a conservation plan is put in place for the long-term protection of these forests," ZSL's Sarah Christie said in a statement.
(Related pictures: "'Lost' Deer, Rare Cuckoo Caught in Camera Traps.")
The new video shows one of the predator's unique adaptations to treetop living—a long tail that ensures balance on branches. (Learn more about National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative.)
The cat also relies on long claws and highly flexible ankles to scramble among the trees—and even shimmy down tree trunks like a squirrel, according to ZSL.
The species, listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, probably numbers at fewer than ten thousand animals.
Trending News
-
Rare Video of Giant Oarfish
Scientists recently captured a rare video of an oarfish, but what's the real significance of the underwater footage?
-
5 Sky Events This Week
Skywatchers can witness the biggest supermoon of 2013 and several other lunar events this week.
-
Environmental Murder Mystery
Police are still looking for environmentalist Jairo Mora Sandoval's murderers, while the episode has more Costa Ricans talking about the links between poaching and drug trafficking.
Advertisement
Celebrating 125 Years
-
Explorer Moment: Ray of Hope
Biologist Andrea Marshall leads her team in discovering new and conserving known manta ray species.
-
Sylvia Earle on Women in Science
Sylvia Earle reflects on her scientific career and on gender obstacles she faced along the way.
ScienceBlogs Picks
Got Something to Share?
Special Ad Section
Great Energy Challenge Blog
- Study Says: Hey, You, Get Onto the Cloud (It Saves Energy)
- Who Will Swelter This Summer? The Pressures on the Nation’s Power Grid
- Tar Sands Tour: Boomtown, Scarecrows, and Spin; “We Have Met the Enemy, and He is Us”
- Climate Change: China, U.S. Bring Toy Fire Truck to Seven-Alarm Fire
- Student Infographic Contest Paints Bright Picture of Youth Concern on Energy and Climate
