Borneo's apex predator
The Sunda clouded leopard
Neofelis diardi borneensis
The Sunda clouded leopard operates as Borneo's apex predator. Here is where the guides look for it at night.
Species profile
The distinct island subspecies
For decades science treated the clouded leopard as a single species across mainland Asia and the islands. That changed in 2006 when molecular analysis identified 36 fixed nucleotide differences. Morphological studies confirmed the split by identifying smaller and darker cloud markings.
An adult male weighs up to 25 kg. The cat possesses rotating rear ankles that allow it to climb down trees head-first. It carries the longest canine teeth relative to skull size, adapted for bringing down large terrestrial prey.
Where to look in Sabah
Success comes from covering linear kilometres at night. Deramakot Forest Reserve is the first choice, offering over 100 kilometres of drivable logging roads. The access road into Danum Valley is the second prime location for a realistic target.
What changes your chances
Time is the primary variable. Longer vehicle searches cover more ground. Heavy tropical downpours suppress movement, but the period immediately after rain stops is highly productive.
Where to search
Other options
Alternative wildlife reserves
Danum Valley
2.5 hours by road from Lahad Datu, Danum Valley is 438 square kilometres of lowland rainforest that was never logged with three very different places to stay inside it.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
A 122,500-hectare lowland reserve bordered by oil palm, Tabin is Sabah’s premier destination for night drives. The sharp forest edge concentrates small cats and civets along the boundary roads.
The Journal
Field notes and travel craft from the forest: the dawn chorus, mast fruiting, the figs, and what became of the rhino.
Species profile
Plan your felid safari
Tell the team how many nights you have available to look for the Sunda clouded leopard on a dedicated night drive.