KUANTAN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The clouded leopard found by villagers in Felda Kota Gelanggi 3 in Jerantut has been released in the Krau Wildlife Reserve.

State Wildlife and National Parks Department deputy director Mohd Zaide Mohamed Zin said it was released in the forest at 7.30am on Tuesday (Oct 4).

Mr Mohd Zaide said the animal weighed 30kg, while its body measured 101cm and its tail 88cm.

He said it was fortunate that the leopard was not aggressive while resting under a house in the settlement before it was caught on Monday (Oct 3).

"The leopard could have been lost from its group and was taking shelter under the house.

"As daylight came, the animal saw human beings nearby and possibly could not find its way out to the jungle.

"The villagers were also smart enough not to disturb it and called for help immediately.

"If the leopard had been disturbed and become aggressive, the villagers could have been attacked.

"Fortunately, this did not happen and we managed to release it back into the wild safely," Mr Mohd Zaide said.

On Monday, a 10-year-old boy spotted the animal resting under his house and alerted his grandfather.