Andean Mountain Cat
The Andean mountain cat is a small wild feline native to the high Andes of South America. Renowned for its elusive nature, it is one of the most endangered and least known wild cats in the Americas. Traditionally considered sacred by indigenous Aymara and Quechua communities, the Andean mountain cat holds cultural significance in its native range.
Meet the Andean Mountain Cat
Classification
The Andean mountain cat is a small to medium-sized feline, slightly larger than a domestic cat. It measures between 57.7 and 85 cm (22.7–33.5 inches) in body length, with a bushy tail adding another 41 to 48.5 cm (16.1–19.1 inches). Adults weigh between 4 and 7 kg (8.8–15.4 lbs), making them relatively lightweight compared to other wild cats.
Its thick, soft fur is a distinguishing characteristic, with a grayish or ashy-brown base coat marked by dark spots and stripes, providing excellent camouflage in its rocky mountain habitat. The cat’s most striking features include a pale underbelly, bold dark rings around its long, bushy tail, and black markings on its limbs and face. These adaptations help it blend into the rugged, rocky landscapes it calls home.
Where Does the Andean Mountain Cat Live?
Biogeographic Realm: Neotropic
Continents: Americas
Subcontinents: South America
Countries: Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile
Habitats (IUCN): Shrubland, Grassland, Wetlands (inland), Rocky Areas, Desert
The Andean mountain cat is found in the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains, spanning Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. It primarily inhabits arid, rocky landscapes at elevations ranging from 3,000 to over 5,000 meters (9,800–16,400 feet), well above the tree line.
This feline prefers steep slopes, mountainous scrublands, and rocky outcrops where it can effectively stalk prey. It is most commonly found near bofedales—wetlands sustained by glacial meltwater—where its primary food source, the mountain viscacha, is abundant.
Recent discoveries suggest that the species may also inhabit lower-altitude regions in Patagonia, indicating a broader range than previously believed.
What Do Andean Mountain Cats Eat?
The Andean mountain cat is a specialized predator, with over 90% of its diet consisting of mountain viscachas (Lagidium spp.), which are large, rabbit-like rodents found in rocky Andean habitats. It also preys on other small mammals, including degus (Octodon spp.), chinchillas (Chinchillidae), and tuco-tucos (Ctenomyidae). Occasionally, it hunts birds, bird eggs, and reptiles.
Unlike some wild cats that rely on opportunistic hunting, the Andean mountain cat appears to have a strong dependency on the presence of viscachas. This dietary specialization makes it particularly vulnerable to changes in prey populations due to habitat destruction, climate change, or human disturbance.
What Eats Andean Mountain Cats? – Predators & Natural Enemies
Due to its remote and high-altitude habitat, the Andean mountain cat has few natural predators. However, potential threats may include larger carnivores such as pumas (Puma concolor) and birds of prey that inhabit the Andean regions.
The biggest threat to the species comes from human activity. Historically, the Andean mountain cat has been hunted by indigenous communities for traditional ceremonies, where its skin is used in spiritual rituals. Additionally, it faces indirect threats from habitat degradation caused by mining, livestock grazing, and land development.
Behavior & Lifestyle
The Andean mountain cat is an elusive and solitary species, primarily active at night and during twilight hours. It is a highly skilled climber, using its powerful limbs and long tail for balance as it navigates steep, rocky terrain in search of prey. Unlike more commonly studied wild cats, its behavior remains poorly understood due to the scarcity of sightings.
Observations suggest that it may be territorial, with individuals maintaining large home ranges that overlap minimally with others. It communicates through scent markings and may use vocalizations or body language to interact with others, though this aspect of its behavior remains largely unstudied.
Unlike more adaptable felines, the Andean mountain cat appears to have a strict ecological niche, preferring only specific high-altitude environments. This makes it particularly susceptible to disturbances that alter its habitat or food sources.
How Do Andean Mountain Cats Reproduce?
Very little is known about the reproductive habits of the Andean mountain cat due to its rarity and secretive nature. Based on the behaviors of closely related species, it is believed that mating occurs between July and August, with females giving birth to a litter of one to two kittens in the spring and summer months (November to January).
Kittens are likely born in sheltered rocky crevices or caves, where they remain hidden during their early development. As with other wild cats, the mother provides all parental care, teaching her young how to hunt before they become independent. Juveniles likely disperse to establish their own territories once they reach maturity.
Are Andean Mountain Cats Endangered? – Conservation Status & Threats
The Andean mountain cat is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with an estimated global population of fewer than 1,500 mature individuals. Its specialized habitat requirements and reliance on a limited prey base make it one of the most threatened wild cats in the world.
Major threats to its survival include:
- Habitat Loss & Degradation: Mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development are encroaching on its natural habitat, reducing prey availability and increasing human-wildlife conflict.
- Hunting & Cultural Practices: Although illegal in most range countries, the Andean mountain cat is still hunted for ceremonial and ritualistic purposes in some indigenous cultures.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns are altering high-altitude ecosystems, potentially affecting the availability of food and shelter for the species.
- Predator Control Programs: In some regions, Andean mountain cats are mistakenly killed by livestock owners who assume they are preying on domestic animals, despite no evidence of such behavior.
The Andean mountain cat is legally protected in all range countries, and its trade is prohibited under CITES Appendix I. Conservation organizations, such as the Andean Cat Alliance (Alianza Gato Andino), work to study and protect this elusive species by:
- Conducting camera trap surveys to estimate population densities.
- Collaborating with local communities to reduce hunting and human-wildlife conflict.
- Protecting and restoring key habitats through conservation agreements.
- Educating the public and raising awareness about the species’ ecological importance.
While these efforts have improved our understanding of the Andean mountain cat, much remains unknown about its behavior, population trends, and long-term survival prospects. Continued conservation efforts and habitat protection are critical to ensuring the species does not face extinction in the near future.
