New population of the Endangered Andean cat discovered

[Judi Lynn]

New population of the Endangered Andean cat discovered
Posted Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:28:00 GMT
by Helen Roddis

http://www.earthtimes.org.nyud.net:8090/newsimage/new-population-endangered-andean-cat-discovered.jpg

An elusive species of feline has been discovered to inhabit a much bigger range than was ever previously imagined.

The rare and enigmatic Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita) was once thought to be confined to the higher elevations of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. However, a new survey, carried out by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and its partners, has found evidence that this endangered feline also occurs on the Patagonian steppe, marking a huge expansion in its known range.

Generally, the Andean cat was considered to be restricted to elevations of above 3,000 metres.

A single photograph of two Andean cats in the foothills of Argentina convinced the WCS researchers and their team to extensively survey 31,000 square kilometres of Argentina's Mendoza and Neuquen provinces. Their gamble paid off, and the researchers uncovered evidence of the cats occurring at elevations as low as 650 metres on the Patagonian steppe.

More:
http://www.earthtimes.org/nature/new-population-endangered-andean-cat-discovered/510/

[xchrom]

1. lovely animal. nt

[BrklynLiberal]

2. That is an incredibly cool looking creature. Hope people stay away.....

[slackmaster]

3. Kyoot!

I want to breed them.

[Judi Lynn]

8. Great photo, supplies the sense of proportion needed. Thanks. n/t

[emilyg]

4. Gorgeous.

[jpak]

5. Cute Kitty!

:thumbsup:

[Jim__]

6. What is running down the side of that rock?

It looks like that cat has a huge tail.

[Judi Lynn]

7. Yes, it truly does. Here's another photo, taken at night:

[Jim__]

9. Thanks. I didn't think that was actually its tail. - n/t