In a breathtaking moment captured deep within one of India’s ancient rainforests, a clouded leopard mother and her cubs were filmed in the wild — a sight so rare, it’s being called “mythical.” The video, shared by retired Indian Forest Service officer Susanta Nanda, has since gone viral on social media, drawing awe and admiration from viewers across the country.
“Elusive. Ethereal. Endangered,” Nanda wrote on X (formerly Twitter), sharing the rare footage. He described the animals as “guardians of an ancient rainforest” and noted that there are likely fewer than 10,000 clouded leopards remaining in the wild.
The clip shows the mother leopard gracefully navigating the forest terrain with her young cubs — a truly rare sight given the species’ shy and secretive nature. Sightings of clouded leopards are exceptionally uncommon, especially in Northeast India, where they are known to inhabit remote forest areas.
What Makes the Clouded Leopard So Unique?
Despite its name, the clouded leopard isn’t actually a leopard. According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, it shares a closer genetic link to tigers and lions. These cats have distinctive cloud-like markings across their coats, giving them natural camouflage in dense forest foliage.
Clouded leopards are also known for their exceptional climbing abilities. Their short legs, large paws, flexible ankles, and long tails allow them to climb trees with ease — even descending headfirst, a feat not many wild cats can accomplish. Their canine teeth are proportionally the longest among all big cats, adding to their uniqueness.
Native to Southeast Asia and parts of Northeast India, clouded leopards are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching. They are rarely seen in the wild, and most of what is known about them comes from camera trap footage and research conducted in conservation parks.
Internet in Awe of the Viral Video
Nanda’s post quickly gained attention online, with wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers praising the rare glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most secretive big cats. Many users expressed their excitement and hope of spotting the majestic animals in person one day, especially at places like Manas National Park.
“This is absolutely magical,” one user commented. “What a privilege to witness such a moment.”
Others shared similar sentiments, calling the video “unreal,” “enchanting,” and “a true gift from nature.”
As conservationists continue to raise awareness about the need to protect India’s rich biodiversity, moments like these remind us just how vital it is to preserve the habitats that rare creatures like the clouded leopard call home.
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