Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Felidae
- Genus
- Leopardus
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits dense Atlantic Forest regions in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. It prefers tropical and subtropical forests with thick undergrowth for cover, and is also found in secondary forests and areas near water sources. Elevation ranges from sea level up to about 1,500 meters.
Diet
The Southern tiger cat mainly feeds on small mammals like rodents and opossums, as well as birds and occasionally reptiles and insects. It hunts primarily at night using stealth and ambush tactics. Feeding occurs nocturnally, with the cat relying on its acute senses to locate prey in dense vegetation.
Behavior
The Southern tiger cat is solitary and territorial, marking its range with urine and scratches on trees. It is primarily nocturnal, spending days resting in dens or dense foliage and hunting at night. This species is agile and climbs trees well, often using elevated perches to survey for prey or escape threats.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Southern tiger cat is Vulnerable, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Major threats include fragmentation of forests and persecution by humans.