Origin
The Andean Wildcat (Leopardus jacobita) part of the order Carnivora, family Felidae. It can be found in the mountainous regions of the western part of South America at altitudes up to 4000 meters. It prefers arid and semiarid areas in the Andes mountains of Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Argentina.
They live in mountainous areas almost devoid of vegetation, isolated areas. It was first described in 1865. The only evidence of existence until 1998 was two photographs taken by researchers in early 1980.
The territory chosen by the Andean Cat is so well isolated that the area is hardly accessible. The first information of a new Expedition of researchers in the Andes Mountains was related to the resistance that this cat has in that environment.
At the moment the Andean Cat is on the verge of extinction. The main reasons are the destruction of its habitat, hunting and trade in its fur, and the disappearance of some mammals on which it fed. There are still 2-3 thousand specimens in the wild. The closest relative is the Ocelot. There are no specimens in captivity. All that is known about this animal is due to a small number of occasional sightings.
Although it is on the Red List of Threatened Species, the remaining specimens are far from safe. The Protection Act and acological education programs have no effect.
In countries like Bolivia and Chile, the Andean Cat is killed because of local traditions.
In the literature and other foreign publications you can find it under one of the names: Andean Cat, Mountain Cat, Andean Mountain Cat, Chat Des Andes, Chinchay, Gato Andino, Gato Lince.
Andean Cat Food
The food of the Andean Cat consists of small mammals, lizards, rodents, birds. When hunting, he focuses all his attention and energy on his prey.
He often surprises his opponent with sudden jumps, a proof that one of his hunting methods is ambush.
It is assumed that Andean Cats specialize in hunting for lowland viscachas and sinsile. Since the sinsilas were in danger of extinction and the Andean Cat in turn is in danger of extinction if they do not adapt.
To hunt small mammals and reptiles it uses its tail to crawl between sharp rocks.
Appearance Andean Cat
An adult cat has a body length of 55-65cm long and weighs four kg. The body is covered by a thick fur of gray-brown or gray-gray color. On the back and legs it has wide dark stripes.
The very long tail, compared to the body, of about 40-50cm is covered by bushy fur. It also shows 5-6 wide rings of dark color. Fur descends on the legs to the pillows.
The forelegs have 5 toes, while the hind legs have only four. Each finger has a sharp retractable nail. The ears are small and round. The nose is black.
The Andean Cat is slightly larger than an ordinary domestic cat.
Behavior Andean Cat
This little feline has adapted very well to the low temperatures in the mountains. Its long coat protects its feet from the cold and allows it to walk stealthily without making noises. Her movements are generally silent.
She always knows what's going on around her. Even when she drinks water, she stays as close to the ground as possible and pauses to see if anything has happened in her visual range. He has very well developed senses, especially sight, smell and hearing.
As the cat jumps from one rock to another its tail makes a rotational motion in the air, probably acting as a balance. Due to the special structure of the ear the Andean Cat has very well developed hearing being able to hear very weak sounds.
Breeding Andean Cat
The low number of specimens makes many details of the reproduction of this species remain unknown.
Breeding is said to take place between July – august and November – December.
We can assume, as with other wild cats, that the Andean Cat can have two births per year in cases when it runs out of puppies for various reasons (they fall prey to other animals or are hunted).
It is possible after mating to give birth to 1-2 Cubs.
