Geoffroyi's cat | Facts & Information
# Geoffroyi's cat | Facts & Information
Geoffroyi's cat | Discover Fascinating Facts and Information About Geoffroyi's cat
Geoffroyi's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) belongs to the order Carnivora, family Felidae. It can be found in various habitat types from Central South America to southern South America.
Subspecies:
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Geoffroyi's cat
The Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), also known as the pampas cat, is a medium-sized feline species native to South America. This beautiful feline belongs to the Felidae family and is considered one of the most elegant and graceful members of the Leopardus genus. The Geoffroy's cat was named after the French naturalist Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, who first described the species in 1809.The appearance of the Geoffroy's cat is quite distinctive. It has a medium build, with a body length of approximately 60-90 cm and a short tail of 35-45 cm. The weight of this species ranges from 3 to 6 kg. Their fur is usually yellow or ochre, with black spots that vary in size and intensity. These black spots can form stripes or rosettes all over the cat's body. A black facial mask and black lines under the eyes are also distinctive features of this species.
The Geoffroy's cat is a solitary and nocturnal animal. Although predominantly active at night, it can also be observed during the day in some cases. Its natural habitat is primarily composed of pampas forests, shrublands, tundra areas, and wetlands in South America. Unlike other wild cats, the Geoffroy's cat is not highly adapted to tree-dwelling.
This feline is a skilled hunter and feeds on a variety of species. Their prey usually consists of small rodents, such as mice and rabbits, but they can also attack birds, reptiles, and other small mammals. However, the Geoffroy's cat is also gentle and known for its intelligent hunting techniques.
Geoffroy's cats mainly reproduce in the warm season, although the exact timing of the breeding cycle may vary depending on the geographical region. The gestation period of a female is approximately 70 days, and several kittens can be born in a single litter. Geoffroy's cat kittens are tiny and vulnerable at birth, with their eyes completely closed and underdeveloped fur. They will stay with their mother until they become large enough and capable of hunting on their own.
Although the Geoffroy's cat is not critically endangered, it is considered a vulnerable species. One of the main threats to this species is the loss of its natural habitat due to deforestation and agricultural development. Illegal hunting and capture for the illegal pet trade are also significant threats. Because of this situation, protecting the habitat and enforcing hunting legislation are crucial for the survival of this species.
The Geoffroy's cat is a beautiful and fascinating animal that adds a unique touch to the diversity of South American fauna. Although there are current efforts to protect this valuable species, continuous actions are needed to ensure the survival of this amazing feline and to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to admire it in its natural habitat.
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Origin
It lives in Brazil (southern part of the country), Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. It can also be found in the Andes Mountains. It prefers forested, swampy or pampas mountain regions. It is also found in regions with low vegetation in search of food. It was seen from sea level up to an altitude of 3300 meters.
The number of specimens in nature has only greatly decreased in recent years due to habitat loss and excessive hunting for the manufacture of fur coats. Today Geoffroyi's cat is protected by law, it can no longer hunt. Between the 1960s and 1980s it was extensively hunted for fur. More than 60% of deaths in Argentina are caused by domestic dogs and car accidents.
It can also be found in literature or other foreign publications under the names: Geoffroy's Cat, Gato De Mato, Gato Montes Comune, Chat De Geoffroy, Geoffroy's Ocelot. Also used is the scientific name Felis geoffroyi which from what I have seen is wrong.
The name geoffroyi comes from the French naturalist Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire(1772-1844). Several species of animals bear his name today. (cat, monkey, coral, fish, marmoset, bat). It is one of the most widespread felines to be seen in open areas of South America.
Geoffroyi's cat food
As mentioned above Geoffroyi's favorite hunting area is the wooded one. How is a very greedy animal it has a very diverse diet that varies, but most of all it feeds on small rodents.
Geoffroyi's cat feeds on small mammals (mice, guinea pigs, rodents), reptiles, fish, frogs, etc.it also hunts birds, climbs trees easily, eats their eggs and chicks in nests. He's not a native fisherman but he's not starving either. She swims well and manages to catch fish in fast rivers.
Appearance Geoffroyi's cat
An adult cat has body length between 40 and 46cm, height almost 25cm and weight between 3 and 6kg. There are exceptions of 7-8kg. The ringed tail is 25-35cm long.
The robust body supports the relatively small head and rounded ears. The eyes are large and almond-shaped. The muzzle ends with moustaches that are very important for smell and movement and with a split upper lip.
The legs are quite robust. The iris varies from Golden to greenish-gray.
The coat is golden yellow and covered with spots all over the body outside the tail which is ringed and the head which shows small stripes. As with most felines the coat is darker on the back, including the ears which are dark on the outside, and light on the belly, even white.
Males are larger than females. Although all individuals have dark spots, the color of the coat varies from region to region.
In the north the individuals have darker fur, their color being brownish-yellow, and in the south tends to gray. Melanism can occur in both wild and captive cats.
Leopardus geoffroyi geoffroyi-central Argentina
Leopardus geoffroyi euxantha - Northern Argentina and western Bolivia
Leopardus geoffroyi leucobapta-Patagonia
Leopardus geoffroyi paraguae – Paraguay, southern Brazil, Uruguay, Northern Argentina
Leopardus geoffroyi salinarum-Argentina
Geoffroyi's cat behavior
Both male and female clearly delineate their territory and guard it. I don't allow any intruders to approach. They generally avoid human settlements, they are as discreet as possible. The territory of the male extends over an area of about 10km while that of the female on only 4-5km. The male realizes that the female is in heat by the sounds made by it, traces of urine and smell.
An unusual behavior in Geoffroyi's cat is the habit of standing on its hind legs longer to visually override the surroundings. The cat maintains its balance with the help of the tail. This habit is more common in other animals, in felines it is rarer.
It is a nocturnal animal. He spends most of his time on earth although he is a good climber and swimmer.
Breeding Geoffroyi's cat
Like many other felines, Geoffroyi's cat lives solitary outside the breeding season. During the mating season, which lasts from October to March, the two sexes look for each other. Most births take place in December and may. The heat period in the female lasts up to 12 days, during which time she is sensitive to the male's gestures. Mating takes place in trees. After a gestation of 70-80 days the female gives birth to 1-3 Cubs in a "borrowed" Burrow usually which may be a cave, a tree hollow or a burrow.
The male does not participate in raising and feeding the offspring. After mating it resumes its solitary life.
At birth the cubs weigh less than 100 grams, do not see and are entirely dependent on their mother. After about a week they begin to open their eyes, and after three to walk on their feet.
The female breastfeeds them until the age of 3 months, the age at which they learn to hunt on their own. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 18 months and males at the age of 24 months.
If the mother loses her cubs she mates again and gives birth to another series of Cubs. The life expectancy of Geoffroyi's cat is 14 years. The oldest cat lived in captivity until the age of 20.
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