The Andean mountain cat is a small wild cat that lives in the Andes mountains of Peru, Bolivia, Northern Chile and northwestern Argentina.

There have also been sightings of the cat at lower altitudes in the Mendoza province of Argentina.

Although the Andean mountain cat was first described in 1865, it was not until 1997 that it was seen and photographed by ecologist and small wild cat specialist Jim Sanderson. There are no subspecies.

Scientific Name: Leopardus jacobita
Conservation Status: Endangered

About the Andean Mountain Cat

Physical Appearance

The Andean mountain cat is similar in size to a domestic cat. However, its thick fur and long tail make it look bigger. The cat’s fur is pale silver or ash-gray with isolated, hazel or orange-brown spots and stripes. Black rings can be found around the cat’s tail and limbs. Sometimes the cat is confused with another feline resident of the Andes, the Pampas cat (Leopardus pajeros)

The Andean mountain cat has a black nose and lips, with rounded ears. Adults range in size from 22 to 33 inches, with tails from 16 to 19 inches.

Andean Mountain Cat FROM TO
Weight 6 lbs. 12 lbs.
Body Length 22.7 in. 33.5 in.
Tail Length 16.3 in. 19.1 in.

 

Territory

Andean mountain cats can be found in four South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru) at high elevations in the Andes Mountains. There are two other wild cats that live in the Andes, the pampas cat and puma.

Hunting and Prey

The prey of the Andean mountain cat is believed to be rodents, including viscacha and chinchillas.

Reproduction

Litters appear to consist of one to two kittens. There have been sightings of Andean mountain cats in pairs with their offspring.

Conservation

It is estimated that there are less than 2,500 Andean mountain cats living in the wild. Despite legislation protecting the cat in all four countries where it lives, the Andean mountain cat population has been on a steady decrease. Reasons for the decline include continued hunting, as well as habitat loss and loss of prey.

Ecologist Jim Sanderson took the first photos of an Andean mountain cat in the wild during the late 1990s. The cat is considered an endangered species due to habitat loss, agricultural growth, hunting and a reduction in prey.

Both rural Chileans and Bolivians have traditionally believed that if someone encounters a mountain cat it must be killed for spiritual power and to prevent bad luck.

 

 

 

 

 


Comments

Andean Mountain Cat — 6 Comments

  1. 2 days ago reports appeared of the “First photos” of Andean Cats, after one was phographed in Arequipa province – the first photos in Peru – of course photos have existed since the 1980s elsewhere!
    -hace 2 dias reportes de las “primeras fotos” del gato andino salieron en Peru cuando tomaron fotos en la provincia perunana de Arequipa – por supuesto hay fotos desde otros paises desde los años 80`..

  2. I live in Missouri and saw the Andean Mountain Cat . I am POSITIVE I saw exactly that . I live in the woods between 2 forests, and it came running out of the woods a few feet in front of me. At first I thought it was just a big male cat, then it stopped and stared at me for just over a full minute . How could this be possible ?

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