The Leopardus guttulus, also known as the southern tigrina or southern tiger cat, is a small, spotted wild cat species found in South America. Recognized as a distinct species in 2013, it was previously considered a subspecies of the oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus). This elusive feline navigates dense forests and diverse habitats within its native ecosystems.
Appearance and Identification
The southern tiger cat has a slender build, weighing between 1.8 to 3.5 kg. Its coat ranges from yellowish-brown to tawny with open black rosettes, which are larger than those seen on its northern counterpart. The fur is firm and lies close to the skin, with a paler belly covered in dark spots.
The tail measures about 60% of its head and body length, featuring seven to thirteen irregular, thin rings and a black tip. A distinctive white line appears above the eyes, and its large ears have a black backside with a central white spot. While males are slightly larger than females, distinguishing the southern tiger cat from similar species like the northern tiger cat or margay can be challenging due to subtle variations in appearance.
Habitat and Diet
The Leopardus guttulus is found across southern, southeastern, and central-west regions of Brazil, as well as in Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Its primary distribution lies within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. While it prefers dense tropical and subtropical rainforests, it can also inhabit deciduous and mixed pine forests, open savannas, and even beach vegetation.
The southern tiger cat is a carnivorous predator, with a diet primarily consisting of small mammals, birds, and lizards, typically weighing less than 100 grams. It can also prey on larger animals up to 1 kg. Studies have identified species like the Russet rice rat (Euryoryzomys russatus) and South American water rat (Nectomys squamipes) as favored prey.
Life in the Wild
Southern tiger cats are largely solitary animals, exhibiting predominantly nocturnal activity, though they may be active during the day to avoid larger predators like ocelots. This avoidance strategy, sometimes referred to as the “ocelot effect,” can influence their population densities in shared habitats. They are agile climbers but spend most of their time on the ground, where their terrestrial prey is more abundant.
Reproduction occurs year-round, with a gestation period of approximately 75 to 78 days. Females typically give birth to one to three cubs, with one being the most common litter size. Cubs are born blind, opening their eyes between 8 and 17 days, and are weaned at two to three months of age.
Young southern tiger cats reach adult body size around 11 months but attain sexual maturity later, at about 2 to 2.5 years of age. This relatively late sexual maturity, combined with a low average litter size, suggests a low reproductive potential for a cat of its size. Mothers play a significant role in teaching their offspring hunting and survival skills.
Conservation Status
The Leopardus guttulus is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated global population of around 6,000 mature individuals. The primary threat to its survival is extensive habitat loss and fragmentation, mainly due to deforestation for agriculture and urbanization. In Paraguay, its situation is more severe, where it is listed as endangered.
Additional threats include poaching, road accidents, and diseases transmitted from domestic dogs. Historically, the fur trade also heavily impacted tiger cat populations. Conservation efforts include legal protection, with hunting banned in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.