Oncefelis geoffroyi
Geoffroy’s Cat is a small cat of a similar size to the domestic cat but with a striped and spotted coat that looks more like an Ocelot. It weighs between 2-4kg and is the most common wild cat in South America.
It is a very shy species and tends to stay in the forested areas of Ibera rather than moving around the open spaces. It is also nocturnal and very difficult to view – we do see them on camera trap quite often so they are probably quite common at the reserve.
It feeds on small rodents, reptiles, amphibians, insects and can live in the wild up to 15 years. It usually has one llitter per year producing 2-3 kittens which are reared by the female only.
Threats to this species come from habitat loss and hunting although the latter is less common now that it has a protected status.
It is known as Gato Montés in Argentina.
