Comments on: Update: New Clouded Leopard

By: Bob Michaels

Bob Michaels — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:41:36 +0000

Kittenz is correct in the analysis of species via subspecies.The splitters in earlier works were replaced by the consolidators.Now with DNA markers and other observations the trend will be reversed.

By: kittenz

kittenz — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:36:14 +0000

There are a lot of cat “subspecies” that used to be classified as species, but were then judged too similar to existing type species to justify separation at the species level. This recent reclassification of clouded leopards proves that lumping together of “subspecies” may not always reflect the true relationships between similar animals.

I anticipate other cats being separated at species level after more thorough DNA testing, and after more animals are thoroghly examined in life, and not just from museum specimens. Amur leopard and Asiatic lion are high on my list of “suspected species”.

By: vaughan

vaughan — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:23:50 +0000

Hi,

As has been widely pointed out the elevation of the Borneo Clouded Leopard to separate species level is extremely important because it will now justifiably be afforded higher conservation priority.

The Cat’s total environment will benefit - including our own species, through related ecotourism.

Judging by the last comment, one is tempted to wonder however if Loren has hominids of another species (Homo cynicus?) viewing his website.

Maybe we should forget Bigfoot for a while… and concentrate closer to ‘home’.

By: Ceroill

Ceroill — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 05:35:35 +0000

Sigh. Well, they gotta sell their product, I guess. If Anna Nicole’s death is old, and Brittany’s baldness is old, then we need a new sensation. Or the press does anyway.