Big cat found on islands is entirely new species

A rare leopard found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra turns out to be an entirely new species of large cat according to a study of the feline's DNA.

The secretive clouded leopard which lives in remote rainforests was thought to be the same species as leopards on mainland south-east Asia.

However, scientists from the US National Cancer Institute who analysed the cat's DNA found that the differences between the two types of leopard are about as great as the differences between other feline species such as lions and tigers.

Stephen O'Brien, head of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity at the National Cancer Institute, said: "DNA tests highlighted around 40 differences between the two species."

Separate studies on the geographical variation in the clouded leopard, based mainly on fur patterns and coloration of skins, have supported the DNA findings that the cat - first identified in 1821 - should be classified as a unique species.

"Who said a leopard can never change its spots?" said Stuart Chapman, the WWF International Coordinator of the Heart of Borneo programme, which is funding the effort to investigate the diverse wildlife of the island's central wilderness region.

"For over 100 years, we have been looking at this animal and never realised it was unique. The fact that Borneo's top predator is now considered a separate species further emphasises the importance of conserving the heart of Borneo," Mr Chapman said.

Clouded leopards are the biggest predators on Borneo, sometimes growing as large as small panthers. A distinguishing feature they have is the longest canine teeth relative to body size of any cat.

The leopard has small "cloud" markings, many distinct spots within the cloud markings, greyer fur, and a double stripe running along its back. It is darker than its mainland cousin.

"The moment we started comparing the skins of the mainland clouded leopard and the leopard found on Borneo, it was clear we were comparing two different species," said Andrew Kitchener, from the Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums Scotland. "It's incredible that no one has ever noticed these differences," he said.

Clouded leopards from the mainland have large clouds on their skin with fewer, often faint, spots within the cloud markings, and they are lighter in colour, with a tendency toward tawny-coloured fur and a partial double dorsal stripe.

Between 5,000 and 11,000 Bornean clouded leopards are estimated to live on Borneo. The total number in Sumatra could be in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 . Destruction of their habitat is their main threat. The last great home of the Bornean Clouded Leopard is the Heart of Borneo, a 220,000 square kilometre region - five times the size of Switzerland - in wild, mountainous countryside in the centre of the island covered with equatorial rainforest.

Last month in Bali, the ministers of the three Bornean governments signed an historic declaration to conserve and sustainably manage the Heart of Borneo. This has put the area on the global stage of conservation priorities.

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