If I asked you to name five feline species, would you mention the tiger cat? Rest assured, even experts confuse them! These small wild predators were only thought to have two species, until a passionate researcher recently identified a third one after over 10 years of work. However, scientists have simultaneously discovered the grim reality regarding their habitat, severely threatened by human presence.
In 2010, Brazilian researcher Tadeu de Oliveira received an unexpected message: a colleague was on a mission in Ecuador and sent him a photographphotograph of a wild spotted cat, unlike any other known species. Intrigued, the feline specialist decided to collaborate with 40 experts and embarked on nearly 14 years of research with the Universidade Estadual do Maranhão: video recordings, camera traps, genetic analyses… Until now, only two Oncilla species have been formally recognized: the Northern tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus)), and the Southern tiger cat (Leopardus gutullus), which also has three subspecies. The results of this lengthy study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, officially identify the third documented Oncilla species: the “nebulous” tiger cat (Leopardus pardinoides).
The tiger cat now has three documented species, classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to the destruction of their habitats, among other threats. © Ana Dracaena, Adobe Stock
Tiger Cats: a 50% Habitat Loss
Oncillas are wild felines the size of domestic cats, weighing rarely more than three kilos, with spotted fur. Native to the forests of Costa Rica, Brazil, and Argentina, they thrive in highly diverse environments and have biologically and ecologically adapted to the diversity of their habitats. Their ecosystem roles have evolved in parallel, making each species truly unique. However, faced with the global threat that humans pose to the environment, their habitats are at risk of destruction, especially due to the expansion of agricultural and livestock lands, mining activities, and pollution. Currently, the distribution areadistribution area of these small wild cats has been reduced by 50% compared to its original size.
It doesn’t stop there: their health is also vulnerable, with the spread of pathogens from domestic animals, such as the Canine Distemper Virus. Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the two identified species as vulnerable to extinction, but Tadeu de Oliveira is concerned that this status may change unfavorably. This is why the researcher founded Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative, which implements concrete conservation measures to protect these endangered species. In an article published by National Geographic, he states: “People need to understand that publishing articles is one thing. Taking conservation measures is another. You can’t do one without the other. Otherwise, you’re not doing your job.” The message is clear: understand, then act.