Clouded Leopard: Two Species

Kevin Stewart passes along this intriguing paper. The citation is:

Kitchener, A. C., Beaumont, M. A., and D. Richardson. 2006. Geographical variation in the clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa, reveals two species. Current Biology 16: 2377-2383.

Over the last decade, we've seen many species being split, usually due to genetic distinctions, most significantly a few species of whales. The recognition of a new feline ranks just as high. The clouded leopard is a moderate-sized cat ranging through the rain forests of southern and southeastern Asia, into the Indonesian archipelago. Differing physical characteristics had been the basis for the traditional separation of Neofelis nebulosa into four subspecies. By sampling specimens throughout its range, the authors in this study argue that there are actually two species involved in this complex: Neofelis nebulosa of mainland Asia, and Neofelis diardi of Indonesia (including Borneo and Sumatra).
Neofelis nebulosa is diagnosed as: "On shoulders, large cloud-like markings, which extend the full depth of the flank and slope back from the dorsal midline, with mostly few spots within the clouds; a partially double dorsal stripe; pale, often tawny ground coloration."
Neofelis diardi is diagnosed as: "On shoulders, small irregular cloud-like markings, which form two or more rows that are arranged vertically from the dorsal midline on the flank, with frequent spots within clouds; ground coloration that is overall grayish yellow or gray hue; a double dorsal stripe."
A separate study (molecular analysis) published in the same issue of Current Biology strongy supports the distinction of these two species.
The authors also address the question of zoo conservation: does this mean that the global zoo population of clouded leopards is actually hybridized? Turns out, most zoo specimens (and all in non-Asian zoos) are from mainland populations, so that really isn't a problem. Conservations efforts should now be taken with the Indonesian species, of course, given the current rate of habitat destruction in Sumatra and Borneo.