Origin
The Pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo) belongs to the family Felidae, the genus Leopardus. It lives in South America in Ecuador, Chile, Brazil and Argentina. It lives in a wide variety of habitats, a unique trait among feral cats.
Areas with rich vegetation or wooded areas at high altitudes are just a few of the areas where it can be seen. They also prefer open areas. It has been seen up to altitudes of 5000 meters.
It can also be found under the names: Pampas cat, grass cat, Pampas leopard, colocolo, colocolo cat, Chilean Pampa Cat, Chat Des Pampas, Gato De Los Pajonales, Gato Pajero.
It is close to being in danger of extinction due to changes in its natural habitat. One study says the density is 2 to 10 adults per 100km square. Habitat loss due to agriculture and degradation is the major cause leading to declining species numbers.
The pampas cat trade has been banned since 1987, but regular hunting and lack of food continue to reduce the number of individuals. In just three years (1976-1979) Argentina exported 78,000 skins.
Pampas cat food
It generally feeds on small mammals such as rodents, reptiles, birds, etc.It is a nocturnal hunter. If it has territory near human settlements it hunts the birds in the household.
It is a carnivorous cat. They also eat guinea pigs.
Appearance pampas cat
The pampas cat is quite similar to a domestic cat, only it is somewhat larger. Body length is 40-80cm, tail length 20-30cm and weight 3-7kg. The eyes are amber in color, the ears are sharp, dark on the outside.
The color of the cat's coat varies depending on the geographical area in which it lives, it can be light yellow to white, tan or golden, or reddish, and the hair can be soft and short or long and rough.
The difference in color between the specimens is so great that it has been proposed to divide the pampas cat into three distinct species. The fur is covered with small spots, and the tail is ringed. It resembles the cheetah.
On the back the fur is darker, and on the belly it is lighter, to white.
Leopardus pampas pampas;
Colocolo leopardus wolffsohni.
Leopardus colocolo braccatus;
Leopardus colocolo budin;
Leopardus colocolo colocolo;
Leopardus colocolo crespoi;
Leopardus colocolo garieppi;
Leopardus colocolo munoai;
Leopardus colocolo pajeros;
Leopardus colocolo thomasi;
Leopardus colocolo pantanal.
Behavior pampas cat
It is a relatively small feline, but robust and strong. Opinions are divided when it comes to activity. Some say it is a nocturnal animal while others say it is a nocturnal animal.
Probably because of the large geographical area over which the species extends there are differences in behavior. The fact is that he can hunt both day and night. It can be found from the southern part of South America to northern South America. It's a very long distance.
The territory is 30-50km square. It can climb trees relatively easily, but it does so only in search of food or to escape its pursuers.
Breeding pampas cat
The breeding season takes place in April-June.
The female gives birth to 1-3 Cubs weighing around 130 grams.
The female becomes sexually fit at the age of 2 years. The gestation period lasts 80-85 days.
It is assumed that the pampas cat lives from 9 to 16 years.
