Kodkod
Oncifelis guigna
Kodkod Oncifelis guigna |
Body Length(mm) -550-680 Weight (kg) - 11-14 (male) Litter Size - 1-3 average Life Span - 11 years Status - Vulnerable
O.g.guigna - S.Chile, Argentina O.g.trigillo - Central Chile |
The
range of the kodkod is restricted to Chile and parts of
Argentina and in having a body length of about 20 inches
and weighing as little as 6 lb. it is the smallest cat in
the Americas. In appearance the kodkod is similar to
Geoffrey’s cat and it has been suggested that it may
be merely a sub-species of this more numerous and
widespread cat. The kodkod has a base coat colour that
ranges from grey brown to reddish brown and is marked
with small dark spots. Of the two species of kodkod,
O.g.guigna, found in the south of its range, is smaller
in body size and more brightly coloured - where as
O.g.tigrillo, found to the north of Chile, is distinct in
having no spot markings on its feet and more often than
not a paler coat colour. Melanistic varieties have been
observed in both species. As with many of the small wild cat species of the Americas very little is known of the lifestyle of the kodkod. It is believed to be mainly a nocturnal hunter, presumably preying on small rodents, birds and reptiles. The cat is a forest dweller and is able to climb well. As with its lifestyle, little is know of the size of population of the kodkod, but loss of natural habitat due to forestry and logging activities, pose a constant threat. The kodkod is listed in CITES Appendix 2 and is protected in both Argentina and Chile.
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