Il leopardo maculato Max a Chonburi, Thailandia

Max, a male Clouded Leopard, at the world’s first Clouded Leopard breeding center, run by the Thailand Clouded Leopard Consortium, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi, Thailand, 07 July 2011. A major aim of the program is to diversify the gene pool of the rapidly diminshing species of the highly secretive cat, classified as vulnerable. The program is developed by a consortium including the Thailand Zoological Parks Organization (ZPO), Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Nashville Zoo, and the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park. Some of the cubs bred here are exported to the United States. The Clouded Leopard is a medium-sized wild cat found in the forests of Asia. Little is known about its wild behavior due to their extremely secretive nature. They are named for the cloud-like spots of its coat that provide camouflage in its forest habitat and are considered one of the best climbers in the cat family. (EPA/BARBARA WALTON)