The Southern Tiger Cat (Leopardus guttulus)
Date Listed: May 10, 2014
Listing: Vulnerable
Summary:
The
Southern Tiger Cat exists primarily in South American countries including
Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. Leopardus Guttulus prefers elevations
at around 2,000 feet and enjoys being shrouded by surrounding forests and jungles.
The cat is carnivorous, including small rodents as a main part of its diet. They
normally range from 35cm to 60cm and weigh up to 3kg. In captivity these cats
can live up to 23 years, in the wild their lifespan is 10 to 14 years, but
because of recent exploitation of their fur and habitat, their lifespans are
cut nearly in half. (Cats.org) As of now, there are an estimated 6,047 mature individuals
in the wilderness. In protected areas, scientists predict a decline of 10% of
the total population over the next fifteen years, putting it in the endangered
zone.
Population:
As mentioned before, the Southern Tiger Cat lives in
northeastern South America. It’s primary breeding grounds exist in Santa
Catarina, Brazil, where it is the safest due to high conservation efforts. Most
conservation units in Brazil house 500 Southern Tiger Cats or less, limiting
the ability to study them truly. The spread of Leopardus Gluttus reaches
maximums of 91 per ever 100 square kilometers. Where the Southern Tiger Cat has
to compete with Ocelots, its population density falls to a mere 1-5 per every
100 square kilometers. The total population of the Southern Tiger Cat lies at
6,047 and is declining as a result of competition with Ocelots, poaching, and
habitat destruction.
Listing and Threats:
The Southern Tiger Cat is listed as a vulnerable species
with a declining population. It received this listing because it is seen as
relatively stable, but is still declining. Also, it is a very small populated
species to begin with, leaving the Tiger Cat to heavy risk. The leopardus
gluttus was listed in May of 2014, just a few years after it was recognized as
its own species.
The Southern Tiger Cat faces several threats. One threat are
poachers, who hunt them for their fur which closely resembles that of an
Ocelot. Another threat includes deforestation of their habitat, this removes
their home and population of prey. Tiger Cats are also occasionally killed by
rural farmers who want to protect their properties.
http://www.catsg.org/typo3temp/pics/7fe93f4d00.jpg
Actions to Take:
Actions being taken right now are making
the trade of Leopardus Gluttus fur illegal. Although many of the trading
happens on the black market, it is easier to manage and prosecute when the fur
is explicitly non-commercial. The best action being taken as of now is
conservation of the animal’s habitat. Scientists and the government has made
the best effort to protect the land and allow the tiger cat to prosper.
Actions You Can Take:
As of now the best action to take for
the average individual is to donate to the conservation efforts of the South
American Governments and other conservation groups.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3NTCfIJwMIY/maxresdefault.jpg
Works Cited and References:
I've never heard of Souther Tiger Cats before so this was a really interesting read! It's so sad to think about how even if they're in protected areas, they'll still be hunted for their fur :( I wish I could donate all of my money to conservation efforts but alas, I am but a broke college student. Anyway, great images used and great information!
ReplyDelete-Beka Dunaway
I have never heard of this species either, so it was interesting to lean about their populations. The map showing their range in South America was a good addition, and helped the reader understand and visualize the information you presented in your writing.
ReplyDelete- S. Costner