The Clouded Leopard: A Cat That Can Walk Upside Down in Trees and Has Fangs That Resemble Sabers!

Name: Neofelis nebulosa, commonly referred to as the mainland clouded leopard. Its home is in Southeast Asia. It consumes mammals, including rodents, primates, and ungulates. Unwrapped Fact: Clouded leopards may kill victims by biting the back of their neck with their enormous fangs. They can also swivel their ankle joints nearly 180 degrees! Why it's fantastic: Because they have adapted to live in the tropical woods of southeast Asia, clouded leopards lead more arboreal lives than African lions and cheetahs, which hunt or sprint across wide plains in search of food. Because of their unusual way of existence in the trees, they have developed amazing ankles that can rotate over 180 degrees. They may fall headfirst down tree trunks because of their very flexible joints. Although experts believe these cats mostly hunt on the ground, they have been spotted in captivity climbing upside down along horizontal branches and hanging down by their rear feet, enabling them to pounce down upon prey below.The short, stocky legs, petite body (ranging from 27 to 42.5 inches; 69 to 108 cm) and long tail (the longest of all cats in relation to body size) of clouded leopards aid in their ability to balance in trees. They range in weight from 11 to 23 kilos (25 to 50 pounds).  In relation to their body size, clouded leopards have the biggest upper canines of any cat now in existence. The proportions of their teeth are comparable to those of several ancient sabertooth species, according to a study published on October 6 in the journal Science Advances. “Why should I stretch? Does a cheetah stretch before it chases its prey?” — Ken Griffy Jr.