Nariño Cat
The Nariño cat, also known as the red tigrina or Galeras cat, is a recently described small wild feline native to the high-altitude páramos of southern Colombia. First identified from a single museum specimen collected in 1989 and formally described in 2023, the Nariño cat’s classification remains debated, as its distinct morphological and genetic traits suggest it may be a separate species from other South American Leopardus cats. Its extreme rarity raises concerns about its conservation status, as no additional sightings have been confirmed since its initial discovery.
Meet the Nariño Cat
Classification
The Nariño cat is a small, robust wild feline that appears to be morphologically distinct from other closely related tigrinas (Leopardus tigrinus). It is characterized by a shorter, stockier build, a rounder and broader head, and a flatter face. Its fur is dense and woollier than other Leopardus species, which is likely an adaptation to the cold páramo climate.
One of its most striking features is its reddish coat, which sets it apart from other Leopardus cats that typically have more yellowish or brownish fur. The black-bordered rosettes on its body have distinctively reddish interiors, making its pattern more vibrant compared to its relatives.
The head and dorsal stripe are darker than the rest of the body, while its tail is ringed with black bands, resembling those of other small spotted wildcats. These adaptations likely provide excellent camouflage in the dense vegetation and rocky landscapes of its high-altitude habitat.
Where Does the Nariño Cat Live?
Biogeographic Realm: Neotropic
Continents: Americas
Subcontinents: South America
Countries: Colombia
Habitats (IUCN): Forest
The Nariño cat is known only from a single specimen collected at an elevation of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) in the páramo ecosystem of the Galeras Volcano in southern Colombia. Páramos are high-altitude tropical grasslands that serve as crucial water sources for the Andean region, and they are characterized by cold temperatures, frequent fog, and unique flora such as frailejones (Espeletia spp.).
It is believed that the Nariño cat’s range may extend into other isolated páramos in the region, but no additional sightings or records have been confirmed. Due to its habitat’s remoteness and inaccessibility, it is possible that the species has remained undetected. However, camera trap surveys conducted in southern Colombia since 2018 have failed to capture any images of the Nariño cat, leading some researchers to fear that the species may already be extinct or critically endangered.
What Do Nariño Cats Eat?
Although there are no direct observations of the Nariño cat’s diet, it is likely similar to other small Leopardus species. As a carnivorous predator, it would primarily feed on small mammals, such as rodents and marsupials, that inhabit the páramo ecosystem. Birds, reptiles, and insects may also be part of its diet, particularly during seasonal shifts in prey availability.
Like other small wildcats, the Nariño cat likely employs a stalking and ambush strategy, using the dense vegetation and rocky outcroppings as cover before pouncing on unsuspecting prey. Due to its isolated habitat, its hunting behavior may be adapted to the specific ecological conditions of high-altitude environments, where prey populations are lower compared to tropical rainforests.
What Eats Nariño Cats? – Predators & Natural Enemies
Because no live Nariño cats have been observed, information on their natural predators is limited. However, potential predators in its habitat may include:
- Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), which are known to prey on small mammals in high-altitude environments.
- Large birds of prey, such as Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) or hawks (Geranoaetus spp.), which may target juvenile or smaller individuals.
- Pumas (Puma concolor), which inhabit Andean regions and could prey on small wildcats if encountered.
However, given the extreme rarity of the species, human activities such as habitat destruction and poaching likely pose the greatest threats to its survival.
Behavior & Lifestyle
Very little is known about the behavior and lifestyle of the Nariño cat due to the absence of live observations. However, it is likely that its behavior mirrors that of other small wildcats in the Leopardus genus:
- If its behavior is consistent with other high-altitude wildcats, it may be well adapted to extreme cold and rapid weather changes.
- It is expected to be solitary, with individuals maintaining exclusive territories marked by scent markings.
- It is probably nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning it is most active at dawn, dusk, or night to avoid larger predators.
- It likely relies on stealth and ambush tactics to hunt prey rather than chasing them over long distances.
How Do Nariño Cats Reproduce?
There is no available data on the reproductive behavior of the Nariño cat. However, if it follows the reproductive patterns of closely related Leopardus species, it may:
- Have a gestation period of around 75–80 days.
- Give birth to one to three kittens per litter.
- Raise offspring in dens hidden among rocks, dense vegetation, or burrows.
- Have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years in the wild, based on comparisons with related species.
Given its isolated and high-altitude environment, its reproductive cycle may be influenced by seasonal prey availability, with breeding occurring during times when food is more abundant.
Are Nariño Cats Endangered? – Conservation Status & Threats
The conservation status of the Nariño cat is currently unknown due to the lack of confirmed sightings since the 1989 specimen collection. However, its extreme rarity raises serious concerns about its survival. Possible conservation threats include:
- Habitat Destruction: The páramo ecosystem is highly sensitive to human activity. Expanding agriculture, livestock grazing, and climate change-driven alterations in precipitation patterns may be reducing available habitat.
- Poaching & Illegal Trade: Small wildcats are sometimes captured for the illegal pet trade or killed due to human-wildlife conflicts, though there is no documented evidence of this specifically for the Nariño cat.
- Limited Genetic Diversity: If the population is extremely small, inbreeding could pose a threat to the long-term viability of the species.
- Lack of Research & Conservation Initiatives: With only a single known specimen and no dedicated conservation programs, the Nariño cat may be overlooked in regional wildlife protection efforts.
Given the lack of data on the species, the most pressing need is to conduct field research to confirm whether the Nariño cat still exists. Key conservation actions should include:
- Expanding camera trap surveys in suitable habitats within the Galeras Volcano region and other high-altitude páramos.
- Conducting interviews with local communities to gather anecdotal evidence of possible sightings.
- Implementing habitat protection measures to preserve páramo ecosystems.
- Raising awareness among conservation organizations to prioritize funding for field research on the species.
Until further research is conducted, the Nariño cat remains one of the most enigmatic and potentially endangered wild felines in South America.
