The Kodkod or Guina is also known as the Chilean Cat. It has a lot of names but is not seen very often. It is at home in the mountains and islands of southern Chile.
American Cats
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Species of American Cats
Jaguarundi
Dive into the fascinating world of Jaguarundi, a unique relative of cougars and cheetahs. The Jaguarundi lives from the US down to Argentina.
Jaguar
The jaguar (Panthera onca) stands out with its powerful build and distinctive rosettes, marking it as the apex predator of the New World. Residing from Argentina to the US, they favor tropical rainforests and wetlands. Jaguars are solitary, skilled in ambush hunting, primarily feeding on mammals and reptiles. Despite facing threats from habitat loss and hunting, they are vital for ecosystem balance and ecotourism.
Geoffroy’s Cat
Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) is a small member of the Ocelot lineage. Smaller than the Pampas Cat, it too lives in the grasslands of South America.
Margay
The Margay is a jungle cat from the Americas. It resembles its close cousin the Ocelot, in a lot of ways, not least its looks. The fact that it is called Baumozelot, or Tree Ocelot in German, explains a lot. It does spend a lot more time in the trees than its relative.
Mountain Lion
The Mountain Lion is the most widespread of the cats in the Americas. Also known as the Puma or Cougar, it ranges from Patagonia to Canada and is most often seen in the mountains.
Ocelot
Who can resist the large eyes of an Ocelot? The jungle cat ranges from the US to South America, but is not often seen as it inhabits the deep jungle. Chances of an encounter are higher than for other cats as it is somewhat active during the day time.
Oncilla
From the Jungles of Brazil to the Pampas of Uruguay, you can find the Oncilla. It is small though so know and understand the cat well before you travel to look for it in the wild.
Pampas Cat
The Pampas Cat is very widespread in South America. Of all the small American cats it is most often seen though is not very numerous. It is adapting well to ranchland but is still threatened by habitat destruction.
Canada Lynx
Discover the fascinating world of the Canadian lynx (lynx canadensis) and learn about its habits, habitat, and conservation efforts. Its beautiful thick fur keeps it warm in the winter and the massive paws allow it to walk on snow with ease.
Bobcat
Get up close with the fascinating bobcat (Lynx Rufus) the southern and smaller cousin of the Canadian Lynx. This is one of the easiest cats to see in the wild, especially if you live in the Western US.
Andean Mountain Cat
The Andean Mountain Cat (Leopardus jacobitus), one of the world’s most elusive felines, thrives in the high altitudes of the Andes. Its distinctive silver-grey fur and bushy tail highlight the unique biodiversity and the challenges of conservation in South America’s rugged landscapes.
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