The oncilla is a small wild cat that inhabits parts of Central and South America. It is also known as the little spotted cat, northern tiger cat and tigrillo. It is smaller than an ocelot and margay, but similar in appearance.

Scientific Name: Leopardus Tigrinus

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Subspecies: 

  1. Leopardus tigrinus (northern tiger cat)
  2. Leopardus tigrinus guttulus (southern tiger cat)

 

There has been on-going discussion and review of the taxonomy of the Oncilla. Historically the recognized subspecies have been:

  • Leopardus tigrinus tigrinus (northeastern Brazil, Guyana and eastern Venezuela
  • Leopardus tigrinus guttulus (central/south Brazil, Uruguary, Paraguay, northern Argentina – now its own species)
  • Leopardus tigrinus oncilla (Central America)
  • Leopardus tigrinus pardinoides (Western Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru)

 

Recent research showed that Leopardus tigrinus guttulus is its own species: Leopardus guttulus

Physical Appearance

The oncilla is a slender cat that is a bit larger than regular domestic cats. Its thick fur, which ranges in color from light brown to brownish yellow, with spots (rosettes) across the back and sides.  The spots can either be black or brown, with an open center. The spots on the cat’s legs get smaller in size as the go down the leg.

Oncilla FROM TO
Weight 3.3 lbs. 6.6 lbs.
Body Length 15 in. 23 in.
Tail Length 7.9 in. 16.5 in.

Habitat (Where the Oncilla Lives)

The oncilla can be found from Central America (Costa Rica and Panama) to the center of Brazil. It has been seen in savannas, forests and at elevations up to 15,700 feet.

Hunting & Prey (Diet)

The oncilla is an excellent climber, although it spends most of its time on the ground. The cat feeds on small mammals, birds, lizards, eggs, tree frogs and invertebrates. It will also eat grasses.

Oncilla Communication

Kittens purr. Adult cats gurgle when near each other.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Gestation is 74 to 76 days. There is usually only one litter per year with 1 to 3 kittens. The kittens open their eyes after a week to two weeks. They take solid food after a month to two months, and are fully weaned after three months. Sexual maturity is reached at around two and a half years. The lifespan of a wild oncilla is about 11 years. Captive oncillas have lived as long as 17 years.

Conservation Threats

The oncilla’s survival is threatened by habitat loss (deforestation) and poaching. They are aggressively killed for their fur, and considered one of the top four most hunted small wild cats.