One more exotic meat for the pan

Scientists have discovered a new species of big cat in the jungles of Borneo. Genetic tests revealed the clouded leopard of Borneo to be new species of big cat family.

This rainforest animal was originally thought to be the same species as the one found in mainland South-East Asia.

Conservationists are saying these secretive clouded leopards are the biggest predators on Borneo but sadly they too have joined the growing list of endangered species in Southeast Asia.

CNN reports that a total of 5,000 to 11,000 Bornean clouded leopards are estimated to live in the jungles of Borneo.

The total number in Sumatra could be in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 individuals. The cats' biggest threat is destruction of their habitat.

However there is also another threat - exotic meat lovers.

It won’t be long before enterprising restaurant owners in Malaysia, Indonesia and even Thailand start serving the fresh taste of the secretive clouded leopard.