Science Abandons Tiawanese Cat

Leopards found extinct in Taiwan as public begins to growl

The Formosan clouded leopard, a subspecies of large cats, probably died out here some 100 years ago, Taiwan university researchers determined after a four-year study found no photos, fur, or paw prints in a preserve considered their most likely home.

The news has led many Taiwanese to question the side-effects of the island’s economic development. In turn, animal advocates say this examination has fueled conservation movements.

“A lot of people have said they are disappointed and find our discovery quite regrettable,” says Kurtis Pei, a study leader from National Pingtung University of Science and Technology’s Institute of Wildlife Conservation. “Some say they hope not just to feel regret but to do something to save other animals.”

Mr. Pei and five other researchers set up cameras and catnip-baited hair traps, and trolled the jungle for the Formosan clouded leopards from 2000 to 2004, spending the time since then to analyze data in an area that was later made impassable by typhoons. The team took 16,000 photos in 400 spots, Pei says. They also looked for paw prints and fur. Still, despite their efforts, they found no trace of the meter-long cats named for their large cloudlike spots.

“There hasn’t been any evidence of their continued existence,” he says.

Catnip baited traps?  Whoda thunk that Clouded Leopards would have the same failing for catnip that domestic cats have.  They sure are a pretty looking cat.

It's sad, but it sounds like it probably happened a long time ago.  Small populations still remain in much of Southeast Asia.

I guess I'll root for the the Formosan Clouded Leopard the same way I root for Yeti and Sasquatch.