The clouded leopard occupies an intermediate position between small and large cats

Contrary to its name, this predator is not directly related to the real leopards and is considered a fairly ancient species, as well as a possible ancestor of the current large cats. Because of the precious skin, the clouded leopard was hunted a lot in the past. Today it is threatened by poaching, but the greatest threat to its conservation is the progressive deforestation of the rainforests that are its home. Of the four subspecies, the Taiwanese clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa brachyurus) is already extinct. The entire species is classified as endangered.