Phnom Penh: The existence of the Clouded Leopard, also known locally as ‘Khla Porpok,’ has been confirmed in Cambodia, according to a recent news release from USAID Morodok Baitang on February 28.

Distinct from tigers, Clouded Leopards are a unique species within the wild cat family, known in Khmer simply as 'Khla.' Unlike tigers, which have been declared “functionally extinct” in Cambodia’s wild, Clouded Leopards continue to thrive in the nation’s dense forests.

These leopards are renowned for their striking fur, adorned with cloud-like patterns that provide excellent camouflage in the dappled sunlight of their forested habitats. This, along with their elusive nature, makes encountering a Clouded Leopard in its natural environment a rare and thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts.

Scientifically referred to as Neofelis Nebulosa, the Clouded Leopard is classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, facing threats from habitat destruction, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade, leading to a rapid decline in their numbers.