Pampas Cat
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| Oncifelis colocolo ( |
The Pampas Cat (Oncifelis colocolo), also known as the Grass Cat, is a small striped cat native to the Pampas and nearby regions of western central South America, ranging from Ecuador and Chile across the Andes Mountains into Argentina and some neighbouring countries. Little is known about the Pampas Cats' hunting and breeding habits, however it is believed to be a nocturnal hunter, mainly preying on small mammals and birds.
The Grass Cat is small, only 550 to 700 mm and weighting 3 to 7 kg on average. The furs color ranges from grey to yellow to dark brown who in turn is covered with dark brown stripes. The litters average on two and the Pampas usually live to between 9 and 16 years.
[edit] Subspecies
- Oncifelis colocolo braccatus - Brazil, northern Argentina
- Oncifelis colocolo budini, Argentina
- Oncifelis colocolo, Central Chile
- Oncifelis colocolo crespoi, north west Chile
- Oncifelis colocolo garieppi, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia
- Oncifelis colocolo munoai, Uruguay
- Oncifelis colocolo pajeros, Argentina, Chile
- Oncifelis colocolo thomasi, Ecuador
[edit] References
- Cat Specialist Group (2002). Oncifelis colocolo. 2006