Andean Cat Conservation & Research. Sometimes considered the least known of the world's cats, Andean cats may be endangered due to habitat deterioration and exploitation by humans for pelts. In Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia Andean cats are protected against commercialization, trade, and hunting by law. The Andean mountain cat has Ash-grey fur all over, except for the head and … The Andean cat existence is heavily linked to its pray the mountain vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia) a rodent that looks like a rabbit, but is related to … Andean mountain cats themselves are sometimes hunted for superstitious and ritual purposes by locals, which contributes to their endangered status. Vital Stats: Lifespan- Unknown. The population of the Andean cat is estimated at about 2500 individuals in a range that includes the high regions, at altitudes ranging … The Andean mountain cat is often hunted for food and traditional medicine, as well as for its fur. It mainly hunts rodents, including the endangered chinchillas. Conservation measures are urgently needed, and you can help. The following organizations are dedicated to research and conservation of the Andean Cat: Andean Cat Alliance - South America. In addition to human-caused problems, competition with other wild cats also limits the population of the Andes mountain cats. The loss of even a few individuals from the mountain cat’s small population could be disastrous. Taxonomy. The entire population of the Andean Cat throughout their range is estimated to be around 1,300 cats. The Andean mountain cat (Leopardus jacobita) is a small wild cat native to high elevations of the Andes mountains in South America. Population genetics and spatial structure in two Andean cats (the pampas cat, Leopardus pajeros and the Andean mountain cat, L. jacobita) by means of nuclear and mitochondrial markers and some notes on skull biometrics. The South American cougar (Puma concolor concolor), also known as the Andean mountain lion or puma, is a cougar subspecies occurring in northern and western South America, from Colombia and Venezuela to Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Distribution. The global conservation status for the Andean Cat is Endangered (EN) with an estimated population of less than 3000. The specificity of its main prey, the mountain vizcacha, to rocky environments is also possibly a factor influencing Andean cat distribution and population density. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.1 Its thick coat enables it to survive bitterly cold nights. Weight- 3-7 kg. Wildlife Conservation Network - Andean Cat Hunting for fur and killing in Bolivia and Peru for superstition are the biggest threats to the Andean mountain cat populations. The Andean mountain cat is labeled as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since only about 2,500 individuals of this species are believed to survive in the wild. #1 Spreading The Word. The Andean Mountain Cat is classified as Endangered (EN) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Andean mountain cat is now protected throughout its geographical range. In spite of the little information on the Andean cat and its requirements, it can be affirmed that the habitat of the Andean cat is naturally fragmented and of high fragility. Stuffed specimens are sometimes used for spiritual ceremonies, as the Andean cat is considered sacred to indigenous communities and associated with rich harvests, abundance of livestock. The biggest, most reversible problem facing the Andean cat is one that this campaign seeks to reverse: no one knows this species exists and is fighting for survival. 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