Aug.
2009: Another map,
this time of the range of the Oncilla
but this page, in fact, contains a lot more than the distribution of
this smallest of the South American wild cats, weighing between 1.5 to
3 kilograms (2.9 lbs to 6.6 lbs). This weight puts it below the average
weight
of our domestic cats (see Largest
Domestic Cat Breed and Wild
Cat Species by Size). The
scientific name for this cat is Leopardus
tigrinus.
The map below in an embedded one from this original: Oncilla
Range 2009, which is a map that
I made but it is open to the public and also open to collaboration from
anyone willing and able to improve it. It can be changed using Google
My Maps and if you are unfamiliar with this program please take a look
at the video in this section. The Oncilla is distinguished by being one
of the smallest wild cats and one that has as many names as the Puma!
The map, by the way is accurately based on the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species™ map (Red List).
Fur is
firmer lying closer to the skin (Sunquist 2002)
Eyes are
smaller (Weigel
- 1972 Small Felids and Leopards)
Ears are
larger (Sunquist 2002)
Muzzle is
narrower (Sunquist 2002)
Skull is
more "delicate" than the margay's skull (Mondolfi E)
This
video shows the Oncilla's climbing abilities. It climbs as the margay,
with great skilll, almost monkey like.
Oncilla
- Sao
Paulo Zoo, SP - Brazil - photos by mottazoo
.The kitten top right appears to have a damaged leg.
Oncilla
Names
This cat has the following additional names:
Little
Spotted Cat, Little Tiger Cat, Tiger Cat (Red List)
Little
Spotted Cat, Lesser Spotted Cat, Tiger Cat, Ocelot Cat and more..(Sunquist 2002).
The margay and ocelot can also be called some of these names indicating
a bit of confusion and similarity between these wild cats.
Appearance
As mentioned, the oncilla looks similar to the margay and ocelot and
research indicates that they are closely related (Sunquist).
In fact there may be an argument for splitting the oncilla into two
species as there is thought to be a difference between the oncilla that
inhabits Central and South Brazil and the cat in Costa Rica. The
difference in
these two potentially new oncilla species is
similar to the difference between the margay, ocelot and oncilla. Some
say the
oncilla should be split into three not two species.
Melanistic oncillas (black) are not uncommon in the
rainforests. An example is top left in the collage adjacent.
The oncilla has the following features:
the
fur is thick and soft,
light brown to dark ocre. The spots are open (rosettes - holes in the
middle ), irregularly shaped and dark brown or black
the
undersides are paler and has dark spots
the
tail has rings
the
backs of the ear flaps
are black with bold ocelli (white ear spot)
the
legs have spots tapering
to smaller spots near the paws
Distribution
- Oncilla Range
Well, the map, of course tells the story as at 2009. Things are
constantly changing, usually in a detrimental way for the cat
with financial benefits for people. The range is large but occupancy
of the range by the oncilla is localised. This means that the
cat
is not distributed entirely or evenly over area indicated in the map.
Also the quality and size of the habitat is diminishing due to human
activity (see Threats and Conservation below).
Despite the acrobatic nature of the oncilla's tree climbing skills (see
video) this cat is not (as once thought) confined to forest life in the
oncilla range. They
inhabit a variety of landscapes including:
subtropical
forest
savannas
(cerrado) in Brazil (see photo right)
thorny
scrubland in Brazil for example
urban
landscape: São Paolo
from sea level to
about 4,000 metres above sea level
At 2002, little was known about this cat in the wild. However sometimes
people can discover information about a cat's eating habits from
stomach
contents of dead cats. Yes, sounds a bit gruesome but it is effective
for secretive cats. Such research shows that the prey of the oncilla
includes:
normally
ground living animals (despite the oncillas tree climbing skills) of
less than 100 grams such as:
lizards
(Teiidae - see picture right) - preying on lizards encourages
the oncilla to be diurnal as these lizards are diurnal (daytime
activity). Many wild cats are crepuscular meaning dawn and dusk
activity.
insects
(grasshoppers, centipedes, beetles for example)
On reproduction, the little that we know includes the following:
oncilla
is on heat (in estrous) for between 3 - 9 days
pregnancy
(gestation) is about 75 days
litter
size is usually a single kitten weighing 92 - 134 grams (average litter
size is 1.12 kittens)
kitten
opens eyes at 8 - 17 days
kitten
eats solid food at between 38 - 56 days of age
Kitten
weaned at about 3 months of age
adult
cat at about 11+ months of age
Threats
and Conservation
Listed as Vulnerable by the Red List.
The reason for this classification is:
previously
widey hunted for its fur. For example in 1983, over 84,000 skins were
traded!
low
densities in localized areas within a wide range. It seems that the
size of the oncilla range is misleading by giving the impression that
there is a high and secure population. However within the oncilla range
there would seem to be fragmentation in addition to low densities (as
low as 0.01/100 km² in some places). Where there is higher
densities of oncillas it is outside the protected areas leaving them
vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat "degradation" and conversion of
habitat to plantations (is this palm oil? - probably and certainly
coffee plantations) through human
activity.
being
killed by farmers etc. because the oncilla treats poulty as prey
(answer: better protect the poultry and stop destroying the cat's
habitat).
despite
prohibitations on hunting (since 1981) and CITES Appendix I
"protection" (1989 - but it is paper
protection, I would argue) it is still hunted. CITES Appendix I is
intended to prevent trade in animal parts in species thus classified.
Unfortunately enforcement is not the most effective.
road
traffic. Yes even wild cats suffer from that hazard.
hybridisation
with Geoffroy's cat
the
ocelot has a negative impact on the oncilla and reduced densities of
oncilla are found when the ocelot shares the oncilla range.
projected
heavy decline in population by 30% over next 18 years.
The
EEC has banned all imports of oncilla skins (1986).
Sources:
Red List,
Sunquists and as stated in text. Great care has been taken to ensure
that the information is accurate at 2009. From
Oncilla Range to Wild Cat Species.
