Rare clouded leopard captured in viral video calmly exploring Malaysia road

A family in Malaysia recently captured on video the sight of a rare Bornean clouded leopard calmly exploring its surroundings as they were driving down a road in Sarawak.

The footage, which was taken in broad daylight in the Matu District of Sarawak’s Mukah Division and has been widely shared on social media, shows the endangered cat on the road in the middle of an area with tall grass.

The cat is seen sniffing the ground and appears to be tame despite the presence of the vehicle.

In a Facebook post on June 3, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said the sighting of the clouded leopard in the area indicates that Sarawak remains a natural habitat for protected wild animal species.

“This incident proves that the Sarawak Government’s continuous efforts through SFC in preserving and protecting the state’s biodiversity is bearing fruit,” it added.

However, it also said the animal’s appearance during the day, and in an area near humans, is most likely due to disturbances in its habitat, or a lack of food resources in the surrounding forest areas.

The Bornean (Neofelis diardi borneensis) and Sumatran (Neofelis diardi diardi) clouded leopards were recognised as separate subspecies of the Sunda clouded leopard in 2007.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified Sunda clouded leopards as a vulnerable species.

Environmental organisation Permian Global describes the Bornean clouded leopards as “Borneo’s largest terrestrial predators”.

According to non-profit organisation Felidae Conservation Fund, this species is typically found in dense lowland and hill forests, and avoids open areas with few trees.

They are referred as “clouded” leopards due to the large spots on their sides, which resemble dark clouds, the organisation said on its website.

Full-grown adults can have fangs up to about 5cm long and tails that equal their body length, which allow them to balance in trees as they wait for prey.

However, the organisation also noted that little is known about the behaviour and ecology of this species. Population estimates also vary.

Sarawak lists clouded leopards as “totally protected wildlife”. Anyone who hunt, kill, keep or sell such animals can be fined up to RM50,000 (S$15,175) and jailed up to five years.

The SFC said it is taking the matter seriously and has sent a team to assess the situation.

Residents have been advised to exercise vigilance, avoid close interactions, and to immediately report any wild animal sightings to the authorities.

The SFC also reminded the public that wildlife is an “invaluable asset and their protection is a collective responsibility”.