Quick answer
IUCN status: VulnerableSunda clouded leopard at a glance
The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a mammal in the family Felidae. Range in Indonesia: Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo). Diet: carnivore; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable — species level. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Neofelis diardi |
|---|---|
| Former scientific name | Neofelis nebulosa diardi |
| Indonesian name | Macan dahan Sunda |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Felidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo) |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Main range | Sumatra and Borneo |
| Feature | Cloud-like markings and long tail |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable — species level · IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 54 |
| Population estimate | About 4,500 mature individuals: about 3,800 in Borneo and 730 in Sumatra · IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard |
| Body weight | 11–25 kg; tail 61–91 cm · IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator: deer, mouse-deer, wild pigs, primates, birds and fish · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night) — Most active at night and around dawn, least active at midday. · Spatio-temporal ecology of sympatric felids on Borneo. Evidence for resource partitioning? (Hearn et al. 2018, PLoS ONE) |
In this guide (11)
Two clouded leopard species
Neofelis diardi lives on Sumatra and Borneo, while its mainland relative is Neofelis nebulosa. Clouded leopards also differ from leopards in the genus Panthera. Check the scientific name when reading research or conservation categories; information about a close relative may concern a different species.
Evidence: IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard ↗ · Panthera — A cat clouded in mystery ↗
A body suited to forest movement
Relatively short legs and a long tail support movement through trees. Its coat has cloud-like patches with dark edges. Cameras also record these cats on the ground; climbing ability does not mean their entire lives unfold in the canopy. Forest habitat extends from floor to treetop.
Evidence: IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard ↗
Forest remains fundamental
The Cat Specialist Group describes N. diardi as forest-dependent and reluctant to use oil-palm plantations. Panthera’s 2018 overview covering both clouded leopard species places plantation records mainly at edges. Brief detections do not establish breeding or adequate prey; the mixed-species overview needs that scope kept explicit.
Evidence: IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard ↗ · Panthera — A cat clouded in mystery ↗
Females that cameras miss
Panthera summarises 2007–2023 camera surveys in three Sabah forests in Malaysia that detected females less often than males. Camera placement and possible differences in space use are proposed explanations, not established causes. The finding highlights detection limits; it is neither a sex ratio nor a census for Indonesian populations.
Evidence: Panthera — Female clouded leopards and long-term camera research ↗
Supporting research without disturbance
Research cameras depend on consistent placement and observation periods. Do not move equipment, add bait, or pursue an animal for photographs. Support monitoring coordinated with managers and communities. Long-term records help assess whether a landscape continues to sustain wildlife from one year to the next.
Evidence: Panthera — Female clouded leopards and long-term camera research ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Sunda clouded leopard
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Neofelis |
| Species | Neofelis diardi |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Sunda clouded leopard
What is the scientific name of the Sunda clouded leopard?
The scientific name of the Sunda clouded leopard is Neofelis diardi, in the family Felidae. In Indonesian it is called Macan dahan Sunda. A former scientific name still often used: Neofelis nebulosa diardi.
What kind of animal is the Sunda clouded leopard?
The Sunda clouded leopard is a mammal in the family Felidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator: deer, mouse-deer, wild pigs, primates, birds and fish.
Where does the Sunda clouded leopard live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the Sunda clouded leopard in: Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo).
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the Sunda clouded leopard eat?
Diet of the Sunda clouded leopard: carnivore. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Sunda clouded leopard reproduce?
The Sunda clouded leopard reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Sunda clouded leopard nocturnal?
The cited source records the Sunda clouded leopard as cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night). Most active at night and around dawn, least active at midday. Source: Spatio-temporal ecology of sympatric felids on Borneo. Evidence for resource partitioning? (Hearn et al. 2018, PLoS ONE).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the Sunda clouded leopard?
Key features of the Sunda clouded leopard, from this guide’s sources: Feature: cloud-like markings and long tail; Body weight: 11–25 kg; tail 61–91 cm.
How big is the Sunda clouded leopard?
Body weight: 11–25 kg; tail 61–91 cm. Source: IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard.
How large is the population of the Sunda clouded leopard?
About 4,500 mature individuals: about 3,800 in Borneo and 730 in Sumatra. Source: IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard. Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.
What is the scientific classification of the Sunda clouded leopard?
Scientific classification of the Sunda clouded leopard: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Carnivora, family Felidae, genus Neofelis, species Neofelis diardi.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Sunda clouded leopard endangered?
Yes. The global conservation status of the Sunda clouded leopard: Vulnerable — species level. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Sunda clouded leopard protected in Indonesia?
Is the Sunda clouded leopard protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 54).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Sunda clouded leopard be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Sunda clouded leopard is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group — Sunda clouded leopard ↗
- Panthera — A cat clouded in mystery ↗
- Panthera — Female clouded leopards and long-term camera research ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Spatio-temporal ecology of sympatric felids on Borneo. Evidence for resource partitioning? (Hearn et al. 2018, PLoS ONE) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Further reading
Sunda clouded leopard: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sunda-clouded-leopard/