Clouded leopards are comprised of two species belonging to the Neofelis genus, the mainland clouded leopard (N. nebulosa), and the Sunda clouded leopard (N. diardi). While they are closely related to the Panthera genus they are not closely related to leopards. True leopards are more closely related to lions, tigers, jaguars, and snow leopards. Clouded leopards have the largest canines in proportion to body size of any cat as well as an exceptionally large gape. They’re often compared to saber-tooth cats and like them it’s unclear as to why they have these adaptations but examined kills show a deep killing bite to the back of the neck. Unlike actual saber-tooth cats, however, the teeth are less blade-like and rounder in cross section, and the lower canines are longer than the reduced canines of the Smilodon.
The mainland clouded leopard, also called the Indochinese clouded leopard or just clouded leopard is found in mainland Indochina. The Sunda clouded leopard, also called the Diardi’s clouded leopard, is found in Borneo and Sumatra. The two were considered the same species until molecular and morphological analyses in 2006 showed them to be separate species. Clouded leopards are mostly found in dense tropical forests but also inhabit secondary and logged forests, swamps, mangroves, and dry woodlands. They prey on a wide assortment of primates, muntjacs, hog deer, bearded pigs, pangolins, porcupines, civets, rodents, and birds.
Today we’re looking at the Safari Ltd. clouded leopard, released in 2019. There aren’t too many clouded leopard figures available but decent figures exist from Colorata, Mojo, and Papo. Papo’s was released in 2024 and appears to be the only one on par with, or superior to Safari’s.
Safari’s clouded leopard represents the mainland species, Neofelis nebulosa. The Sunda clouded leopard is generally darker colored with smaller cloud markings often enclosing smaller spots. Clouded leopards reach a head-body length of 27-42.5” (68-108 cm) and the tail measures 24-36” (61-91 cm). Males grow larger than females and can weigh as much as 55 lbs. (25 kg). Measured in a straight line the Safari figure has a total length of 5” (12.7 cm). The head and body measure 3” (7.62 cm), giving us a scale of 1/9-1/14.
The figure nicely displays the long, low skull with short, rounded ears. The body is robustly built with a proportionally long and thick tail, short legs, and broad paws. Like a lot of toy cats, the facial features are a bit rough, especially the alignment of the eyes. The paw pads are nicely detailed. The figure is posed in a low prowling stance.
The figure is painted dull yellow with a paler underside. Large “cloud” markings that give the cat its common name are painted along the sides. They are brown with black edges. The face and neck is streaked with black markings, black spots dot the head, and black streaks run down the back. The legs are spotted, and the tail is banded. The back of the ears are black. The paw pads and nose are pink, and the eyes are orange. The paint application is decent enough but the edges of the cloud markings look somewhat sloppy in places.
As previously stated, the Safari clouded leopard is one of the better figures of the cat available, but the newly released Papo figure might give it a run for its money. But, with its darker color and smaller cloud markings, the Papo figure could be used to represent the Sunda clouded leopard, giving collectors a reason to acquire both. That’s probably what I’m going to do. The Safari clouded leopard is currently available and retails for about $9.99.
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