A tiny clouded leopard cub has been rescued after being found alone on a wet fallen tree trunk in a dense rainforest in Malaysia, following a landslide that left the forest floor tangled with branches and mud.

The cub, with cream gray fur marked by large dark cloud shaped patterns, was crouched on the slippery trunk when a wildlife rescuer reached the area. Rain was still falling through the canopy, and the small animal appeared frightened but alert, watching every movement with large rounded eyes.

The rescuer, wearing an olive green field jacket, knelt down slowly and opened a soft beige rescue pouch in front of the cub. A green medical bag and a folded cream towel were placed nearby on the trunk. Instead of grabbing the animal, the rescuer kept the pouch low and stable and allowed the cub to approach at its own pace.

After a careful pause, the cub leaned forward, sniffed the fabric, and placed a paw on the rim of the pouch. Moments later, it stepped inside, clearing the wet branches with its hind legs and thick tail.

The rescuer then lifted the pouch gently and moved it to stable ground away from the slippery trunk. Inside the pouch, the cub sat safely and looked upward, finally calm after its frightening time alone.

Wildlife teams say young animals can become separated from their mothers after landslides, and they urge people to contact trained rescuers instead of handling wild animals alone.