Scientists have discovered an entirely new species of cat - the clouded leopard - found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) said Tuesday.

The secretive rainforest animal was originally thought to be the same species as the one found in mainland South-East Asia, it said.

However, “genetic research results clearly indicate that the clouded leopards of Borneo should be considered a separate species,” said Dr Stephen O’Brien, head of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity of the US National Cancer Institute.

“DNA tests highlighted around 40 differences between the two species.”

That meant the Borneo and the mainland clouded leopard differ as much as a lion, tiger, jaguar or snow-leopard differentiates from each other.

The institute believed the Borneo population diverged from the mainland population some 1.4 million years ago.

The Borneo cat has small cloud markings, many distinct spots within the cloud markings, greyer fur and a double dorsal stripe, the WWF report said. It is altogether darker than the mainland species.

The ones from the mainland have large clouds on their skin with fewer often faint, spots within the cloud markings, with a tendency toward tawny-coloured fur and a partial double dorsal stripe.

“It is incredible no one has ever noticed these differences though we have been looking at this animal for over a hundred years,” said Stuart Chapman, WWF International Coordinator of the Heart of Borneo Programme.

An earlier report of the WWF identified at least 52 new species of animals and plants over the past year on Borneo.

Today 5,000 to 11,0000 Borneo clouded leopards are estimated there and another 3,000 to 7,000 in Sumatra.

WWF said, the last great forest home of Borneo’s biggest predator is the Heart of Borneo, a 220,000 square-kilometre wild, mountainous region covered with equatorial rainforest in the centre of the island.

If you’re looking for a good pet companion, think old - consider adopting one with a little gray hair, maybe to match your own.

Puppies and kittens, although irresistible at first sight, can be a handful. Soiled carpet, chewing, whining, and jumping are just some of the behavior challenges new owners may confront.

“Many times, older pets are available for adoption and are in need of homes,” says Dr. Lore Haug, a veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M. “They can make excellent companions, but are often overlooked.” Older pets are defined as mature animals that have reached approximately two-thirds of their life expectancy. Before choosing a pet, each person should analyze his or her specific needs and desires, recommends Haug.

“For example, older pets can make excellent companions for senior citizens by improving their mental attitude, overall well being and keeping them physically active,”she explains.

There are many advantages to adopting an older pet. One significant advantage is that the new owner will already know the size and basic temperament of the pet.”Many mixed-bred, and even purebred, puppies and kittens attain sizes that are unexpectedly larger or smaller than predicted. With an older animal, the mature size of the pet is already known,” Haug explains.

“Even when the pedigree of a puppy or kitten is known, the adult temperament and behavior is still difficult to predict. An older pet’s behavior around children, seniors and others may be more easily identified,” according to Haug. “Because of desired lifestyles, cats are sometimes more suitable than dogs. Cats tend to require less exercise and are more independent in nature.”

Although many older pets still demand a significant amount of time and energy (normal feeding schedule/maintenance, regular exercise, bathing, etc.), puppies and kittens generally require even more attention and commitment (behavior training, housetraining, playful interaction, etc.).

“For instance, all pets require regular exercise, but puppies generally need much more,” says Haug. “Most older pets are usually already housetrained and may know simple behavioral commands. If they have not been previously trained, older pets can learn new behaviors.”

One reason why older pets may not get adopted is that people feel they have more health problems and require more money to maintain. While this can certainly be true, it isn’t always the case.

“Although older pets often require more preventative health care and screening, the expense of routine puppy/kitten care is typically comparable,” Haug explains.

Before adopting an older pet, Haug recommends a few simple steps to maximize the likelihood of a good match. “Interacting with the animal before adoption may help a new owner become acquainted with the personality and unique behavioral characteristics of the pet, but keep in mind that the pet’s true character may not be apparent at the adoption facility,” she says. “Additionally, the pet should receive a thorough veterinary exam before being taken to its new home if at all possible.You might consider adopting an older pet because it can bring much joy and companionship.”