Mammal
Southern Tigrina
Leopardus guttulusAlso known as Southern Tiger Cat, Southern Oncilla
Southern tigrinas are solitary, agile felids adapted to the dense canopies and undergrowth of South America's subtropical forests. Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, they stalk stealthily through foliage and along branches using their long tails for balance while hunting small vertebrates. Despite their elusive nature, populations face severe pressure as agricultural expansion and deforestation fragment their shrinking Atlantic Forest strongholds.
NocturnalArborealElusive
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCane Mouse, Brazilian Grass Mouse, Small Passerine Birds
Predators
- Ocelot
- Puma
- Feral Dog
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, deforestation, vehicle collisions, domestic dog diseases and attacks
HabitatsAtlantic Forest, subtropical moist forest, Araucaria forests, Cerrado margins
Life span10–14 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilyFelidae
- SpeciesLeopardus guttulus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Shy and harmless at a distance, but capable of scratching or biting if cornered or handled.
- What to notice
- Look for a diminutive, domestic-cat-sized build covered in open rosettes with darker margins against a tawny-yellow coat.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a generous viewing distance, never use flashlights to illuminate their eyes directly, and keep domestic dogs leashed.
Responsible observation
- Trail cameras: Best detected using motion-activated cameras positioned along quiet forest corridors.
- Give space: Keep a respectful distance if spotted; avoid pursuing retreating individuals into brush.
- Report sightings: Submit location and photo records to local conservation projects tracking wild cat numbers.
Competitor Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Same Genus no rights reserved, uploaded by Brady Reed · cc0
Close Relative (c) Thomaz de Carvalho Callado, some rights reserved (CC BY) / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Diego Carús · cc0
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