In this paper we present the first population estimates ever published for clouded leopards based on empirical evidence.
Nevertheless, we believe that our calculations are of great value for further management plans because they are the first, however rough, population estimates ever published for clouded leopards and they are based on empirical, although limited, evidence.
Due to a lack of detailed data, we assumed densities to be similar in all protected areas and calculated a rough number of clouded leopards within each reserve, based on the reserve sizes and the density obtained from our results in the TWR.
In total, we estimated a very rough number of 1500 3200 clouded leopards inhabiting reserves in Sabah, based on the density of eight to 17 individuals per 100 km2 (see discussion).
Most other available information on clouded leopard ecology is anecdotal [ 19, 20], based on local interviews [ 21, 22] and a few sighting reports [ 23, 24], or stems from captive animals [ 15, 25].
Although the enhanced cloud-masking capability of Landsat 8 based on the cirrus band and utilization of the Fmask algorithm improved the removal of contaminated pixels, the ability to reliably estimate ET over clouded areas remains an important challenge.
Based on information of previous faunal surveys, clouded leopards in Borneo only populate areas below 1300 m [ 26].
The presence of clouded leopards is confirmed in approximately 25%% of Sabah based on the last faunal survey and direct observations (Fig. 4).
It is long past time that our relationship with Saudi Arabia be based on clear cut national interests and not clouded by Saudi access, influence, and personal relationships at the highest levels -- influence that is forever at the expense of this nation and its citizens and to the benefit of the Saudis and its royals.
At present, the clouded leopard is listed by IUCN as vulnerable [ 28] and included in CITES Appendix I. Based on interviews in Malaysian Borneo in 1986, Rabinowitz [ 21] concluded that clouded leopards seemed not to be in imminent danger of extinction there.
