Geoffroy's Cat Research Articles

Recurrent evolution of melanism in South American felids.

Morphological variation in natural populations is a genomic test bed for studying the interface between molecular evolution and population genetics, but some of the most interesting questions involve non-model organisms that lack well annotated reference genomes. Many felid species exhibit polymorphism for melanism but the relative roles played by genetic drift, natural selection, and interspecies hybridization remain uncertain. We identify mutations of Agouti signaling protein (ASIP) or the Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) as independent causes of melanism in three closely related South American species: the pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), the kodkod (Leopardus guigna), and Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi). To assess population level variation in the regions surrounding the causative mutations we apply genomic resources from the domestic cat to carry out clone-based capture and targeted resequencing of 299 kb and 251 kb segments that contain ASIP and MC1R, respectively, from 54 individuals (13–21 per species), achieving enrichment of ~500–2500-fold and ~150x coverage. Our analysis points to unique evolutionary histories for each of the three species, with a strong selective sweep in the pampas cat, a distinctive but short melanism-specific haplotype in the Geoffroy’s cat, and reduced nucleotide diversity for both ancestral and melanism-bearing chromosomes in the kodkod. These results reveal an important role for natural selection in a trait of longstanding interest to ecologists, geneticists, and the lay community, and provide a platform for comparative studies of morphological variation in other natural populations.

Habitat-specific demography and conservation of Geoffroy's cats in a human-dominated landscape

Abstract The understanding of the spatial structure and dynamics of populations can guide conservation decisions, but studies of this type focused on small (< 7-kg) carnivores are rare. We compared survival, reproduction, and dispersal of radiocollared Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) in a protected area and adjacent cattle ranches in Argentina to assess the effects of livestock management and its associated disturbances (i.e., hunting by humans) on the demography of this felid. Thirteen cats in the park and 13 in the ranches were radiotracked for up to 556 days in 2007–2008. We evaluated the Geoffroy's cat population trajectory at the landscape level using a stage-structured, stochastic matrix model based on our estimated vital rates. The study occurred during a prolonged drought, likely affecting estimated vital rates. Survival in the ranches was 52% lower than in the park; mortalities were due to intraguild predation in the park and were human-related in the ranches. Dispersal from the ranches was...

Molecular Data Reveal Complex Hybridization and a Cryptic Species of Neotropical Wild Cat

Hybridization among animal species has recently become more recognized as an important phenomenon, especially in the context of recent radiations. Here we show that complex hybridization has led to contrasting patterns of genomic composition among closely related species of the Neotropical cat genus Leopardus. We show strong evidence of ancient hybridization and introgression between the pampas cat (L. colocolo) and northeastern populations of tigrina (L. tigrinus), leading to remarkable cytonuclear discordance in the latter. In contrast, southern tigrina populations show recent and continuing hybridization with Geoffroy's cat (L. geoffroyi), leading to extreme levels of interspecific admixture at their contact zone. Finally, we demonstrate that two seemingly continuous Brazilian tigrina populations show no evidence of ongoing gene flow between them, leading us to support their formal recognition as distinct species, namely L. tigrinus in the northeast and L. guttulus in the south.

Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging wild small felids from Brazil: Molecular detection and genotypic characterization

Brazil harbors the largest number of wild Neotropical felid species, with ten of the twelve species recorded in the American continent. Although these animals are considered to be definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, there are few descriptions of the parasite in these species. Here, we performed a molecular detection of T. gondii by amplification of the marker ITS-1 from tissue samples obtained from 90 free-ranging wild small Neotropical felids from Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil. Of the sampled animals, 34.4% (n=31) were positive including the species Puma yagouaroundi – jaguarondi (9/22), Leopardus geoffroyi – Geoffroy's cat (6/22), Leopardus tigrinus – oncilla (8/28), Leopardus wiedii – margay (6/10), Leopardus pardalis – ocelot (1/1) and Leopardus colocolo – Pampas cat (1/7). Toxoplasma DNA was detected with a frequency of 14.6% (63/433) in primary samples of tongue (16/56), brain (8/43), skeletal muscle (15/83), heart (7/63), diaphragm (3/56), vitreous humor (2/44), eye muscle (6/44) and eyeball (6/44). Multilocus PCR-RFLP genotyping of eleven small Neotropical felids using the molecular markers SAG1, 5′3′SAG2, alt. SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico and CS3 allowed the partial characterization of eight genotypes. We fully characterized two new genotypes that have not been described previously in Brazil (Lw#31Tn from L. wiedii and Py#21Sm from P. yagouaroundi) and one genotype Py#56Br from P. yagouaroundi that has been described previously in isolates from cats, dogs and capybaras from São Paulo state. This study constitutes the first detection and genotypic characterization of T. gondii in free-ranging felids in Brazil, demonstrating the occurrence of the parasite in wild populations and suggesting its potential transmissibility to humans and other domestic and wild animals.

EXPOSURE TO SELECTED PATHOGENS IN GEOFFROY’S CATS AND DOMESTIC CARNIVORES FROM CENTRAL ARGENTINA

Wild carnivores share a high percentage of parasites and viruses with closely related domestic carnivores. Because of increased overlap and potential contact with domestic species, we conducted a retrospective serosurvey for 11 common carnivore pathogens in 40 Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) sampled between 2000 and 2008 within or near two protected areas in central Argentina (Lihué Calel National Park, La Pampa, and Campos del Tuyú National Park, Buenos Aires), as well as five domestic cats and 11 domestic dogs from catde ranches adjacent to Lihué Calel Park. Geoffroy's cats had detectable antibody to canine distemper virus (CDV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline coronavirus, feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira interrogans (serovars Ictero/Icter and Ballum), and Dirofilaria immitis. None of the wild cats had antibodies to feline herpesvirus, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus, or rabies virus. Domestic dogs had antibodies to CDV, canine adenovirus, canine herpesvirus, and canine parvovirus. Antibodies to FPV, FCV, FIV, and T. gondii were found in domestic cats. We provide the first data on exposure of free-ranging Geoffroy's cats to pathogens at two sites within the core area of the species distribution range, including the first report of antibodies to CDV in this species. We encourage continued monitoring for diseases in wild and domestic carnivores as well as preventive health care for domestic animals, particularly in park buffer zones where overlap is greatest.

First Density Estimation of Two Sympatric Small Cats,Leopardus colocoloandLeopardus geoffroyi,in a Shrubland Area of Central Argentina

Geoffroy's and Pampas cats are small felids with large distribution ranges in South America. A camera trap survey was conducted in the Espinal of central Argentina to estimate abundance based on capture—recapture data. For density estimations we used both non-spatial methods and spatially explicit capture—recapture models (SECR). For Geoffroy's cat we also obtained density estimates from 8 radio-tracked individuals. Based on the data on 10 Geoffroy's cats and 7 Pampas cats, non-spatial methods produced density ranges of 16.21–21.94 indiv./100 km2 and 11.34–17.58 indiv./100 km2, respectively. The density estimated using SECR models was 45 animals/100 km2 for Geoffroy's cat, whereas we were unable to produce a reliable estimate for the Pampas cat. The SECR estimate for Geoffroy's cat is more similar to that obtained from telemetry data (58.82 cats/100 km2). In agreement with the hypothesis of its greater adaptability, Geoffroy's cat was more abundant than the Pampas cat.

SEROLOGIC SURVEY FORLEPTOSPIRASPP. IN CAPTIVE NEOTROPICAL FELIDS IN FOZ DO IGUAÇU, PARANÁ, BRAZIL

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis of worldwide distribution and is endemic in tropical countries, where rodents and other wild mammals are abundant and may act as reservoirs. Leptospirosis has become a concern in captive wild animals, due mostly to their exposure to contaminated urine or environment. Although domestic cats (Felis catus) have been reported refractory to leptospirosis, serology and disease in captive wild felids is still unclear. In this study 57 adult, clinically healthy felids, including 1 Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), 3 jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi), 17 margays (Leopardus wiedii), 22 little spotted cats (Leopardus tigrinus), and 14 ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) kept in captivity at the Sanctuary at the Itaipu Binacional hydroelectric power plant (Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary), Foz do Iguacu City, Paraná State, Brazil, were serologically surveyed for the presence of antibodies against 28 serovars of Leptospira spp. by microagglutination test (MAT). Two animals (3.5%) were seropositive: one male ocelot to the serovar Cynopteri (titer 100) and one female margay to Autumnalis (100) and Butembo (200). The captive-born, 5-yr-old ocelot had been solitary housed in an individual cage. The approximately 21-yr-old wild-caught margay was also kept individually. None of the tested animals showed signs ofleptospirosis. During a study conducted 4 yr previously in the same facility, this particular margay also tested positive for the same two serovars, among others. The present study indicates that the felids tested for Leptospira spp. by MAT were exposed to serovars, but did not demonstrate clinical signs of disease. Comparison with a previous study suggests that serovar titers may vary over time and that leptospirosis dynamics remains unclear in wild felids.

Taphonomic analysis of rodent bone accumulations produced by Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi, Carnivora, Felidae) in Central Argentina

Rodent prey remains recovered from Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) scats were analyzed in order to identify taphonomic features produced by this predator. The analysis includes a year-long sampling discriminated by the seasons. Modifications produced by digestion are heavy. Taphonomic variables in samples discriminated by the seasons did not show major differences with respect to the total sample; thus, scats collected in any season clearly show the modifications on the bones of prey rodents made by Geoffroy's cats. The results presented here and its interpretation could be extrapolated to an analysis of zooarchaeological or paleontological assemblages.

Differences in diet and trophic interactions of Patagonian carnivores between areas with mostly native or exotic prey

The prey base for Patagonian carnivores has been altered greatly over the past 150 years due to widespread overgrazing by livestock, invasions by exotic wildlife, and hunting. On ranches in northern Patagonia carnivores consume mostly exotic species, and native herbivores are ecologically extinct in their role as prey. In this study we compare diets of the culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus), chilla (L. griseus), puma (Puma concolor), Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), colocolo (L. colocolo), and hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus chinga and C. humboldtii) in a reserve with a mostly native prey base to their diets on the ranches, and evaluate how differences in prey bases affect trophic interactions among carnivores. Carnivores in the reserve consumed mostly native prey. Dietary overlap among carnivores was not significant on the reserve, but was highly significant on the ranches. This homogenization of diets where densities of native species are reduced could lead to stronger negative interactions among carnivores, altering the composition of the carnivore assemblage to the detriment of the more specialized species. Study of carnivore diets may be a relatively quick way to evaluate the conservation status and ecological functionality of prey assemblages in Patagonia and other areas where these have been altered.

Activity and movement patterns of Geoffroy's cat in the grasslands of Argentina

To understand the activity and movement patterns of Leopardus geoffroyi, we compared its behavior by radio-tracking 10 individuals in two areas of the Pampas grassland of Argentina: Campos del Tuyú Wildlife Reserve (CdT; 2F, 2 M, n = 1753 activity fixes), and Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park (ETPP; 4F, 2 M, n = 1700 fixes), an area more strongly affected by human activities. The proportion of active fixes varied between areas and ranged from 38.4 ± 4.4% at CdT to 42.9 ± 8.1% at ETPP. In both areas, L. geoffroyi was mainly nocturnal, with maximum activity at 1:00 h (70.9%) at CdT and 4:00 h (75.6%) at ETPP. Activity patterns were highly correlated between areas and, within each area, between sexes, possibly in relation to the nocturnal activity of its major prey. Seasonal variations were detected, with the least diurnal and nocturnal activity in spring. In both study areas, Geoffroy's cats presented variations in the amount of nocturnal activity corresponding to differences in nocturnal luminosity. However, these variations were different: cats were most active when the night was brighter at CdT, whereas at ETPP activity was lower in brighter nights. At CdT, the linear distance of movement between locations averaged 685.8 ± 496.8 m and males moved 1.4 times farther than females. This distance was shorter at CdT than ETPP (1087.9 ± 932.8 m), where males had movements 4.5 times greater than females. The mean speed of travel did not differ between areas (CdT: 0.44 ± 0.45 km/h; ETPP: 0.44 ± 0.78 km/h), but males tended to move faster than females. In the grasslands of Argentina, human disturbance did not affect the patterns of activity of L. geoffroyi but cats appeared to be forced to spend more time active and move over greater distances in the more disturbed area.

Population density of Geoffroy's cat in scrublands of central Argentina

We studied the density of a Geoffroy's cat Leopardus geoffroyi population in a semiarid scrubland of Argentina, by comparing density estimates obtained during camera-trapping surveys in a national park and in nearby cattle ranches in 2006 and 2007–2008. Overall, we obtained 247 pictures of Geoffroy's cats. The density (mean ±se) of the species at the park ranged from 1.2 ± 0.3 to 2.9 ± 1.4 individuals km−2, depending on the buffer applied, whereas density estimates at ranches were on average 32% lower. Only 11% of the Geoffroy's cats identified in 2006 could still be detected in the area 2 years later, indicating that there was a high turnover of individuals in this population. The sex ratio (M:F) estimated during both surveys at the park was 1:1.4, whereas at the ranches it was 1:0.8. The capture success of sympatric pampas cats Leopardus colocolo and jaguarundis Puma yagouaroundi was <0.3 records per 100 trap-days, and no evidence of these species was found in the ranches. Geoffroy's cats seem to be tolerant to some degree of habitat alteration produced by livestock management, and the numerical response of this species in ranches could be largely the result of human persecution and the effects of livestock management on the habitat structure and prey base.

DNA extraction from hair shafts of wild Brazilian felids and canids

Wild felids and canids are usually the main predators in the food chains where they dwell and are almost invisible to behavior and ecology researchers. Due to their grooming behavior, they tend to swallow shed hair, which shows up in the feces. DNA found in hair shafts can be used in molecular studies that can unravel, for instance, genetic variability, reproductive mode and family structure, and in some species, it is even possible to estimate migration and dispersion rates in given populations. First, however, DNA must be extracted from hair. We extracted successfully and dependably hair shaft DNA from eight wild Brazilian felids, ocelot, margay, oncilla, Geoffroy's cat, pampas cat, jaguarundi, puma, and jaguar, as well as the domestic cat and from three wild Brazilian canids, maned wolf, crab-eating fox, and hoary fox, as well as the domestic dog. Hair samples came mostly from feces collected at the São Paulo Zoo and were also gathered from non-sedated pet or from recently dead wild animals and were also collected from museum specimens. Fractions of hair samples were stained before DNA extraction, while most samples were not. Our extraction protocol is based on a feather DNA extraction technique, based in the phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol general method, with proteinase K as digestive enzyme.

Food habits of Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) in the central Monte desert of Argentina

Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) is a little-known South American felid. Here we report the first detailed data on its seasonal food habits in a protected area of the central Monte desert, Argentina. We collected and analyzed 182 scats, identifying a total of 441 prey items, with 2.4±1.5 prey items per scat (range=1–10). Our results confirm that, as with most other felids, Geoffroy's cat is a small-sized predator specialized in capturing vertebrates. Small mammals were the most frequent prey items, representing at least the 63.3% of the food items in each season. The Sigmodontinae rodents Akodon molinae and Calomys musculinus were the most important prey throughout the study period, whereas birds and reptiles were consumed mainly during warmer seasons. Seasonal differences in diet composition were higher between warmer and colder seasons, suggesting that diet composition is constrained by seasonal fluctuation and disponibility of prey.

Serosurvey of Small Carnivores in the Bolivian Chaco

Five species of Bolivian carnivores, including nine Geoffroy's cats (Oncifelis geoffroyi), ten ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), one jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi), nine pampas foxes (Pseudalopex gymnocercus), and five crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) were sampled between March 2001 and April 2005 and tested for antibodies to common pathogens of domestic carnivores. Carnivores were trapped in three areas: a village, the region between human settlements and a protected area, and within Kaa-Iya National Park, Bolivia. Antibodies to canine distemper virus were detected in ocelots and pampas foxes. Antibodies to canine parvovirus were detected in pampas foxes and crab-eating foxes. Geoffroy's cats and all of the ocelots tested positive for antibodies to feline calicivirus (FCV), while fewer than half of Geoffroy's cats and no ocelots had antibodies to feline panleukopenia (FPV). These results confirm that these species of Bolivian carnivores are not naïve to common pathogens of domestic carnivores, and seropositive animals were found in villages as well as in the national park.

Worldwide occurrence of feline hemoplasma infections in wild felid species.

While hemoplasma infections in domestic cats are well studied, almost no information is available on their occurrence in wild felids. The aims of the present study were to investigate wild felid species as possible reservoirs of feline hemoplasmas and the molecular characterization of the hemoplasma isolates. Blood samples from the following 257 wild felids were analyzed: 35 Iberian lynxes from Spain, 36 Eurasian lynxes from Switzerland, 31 European wildcats from France, 45 lions from Tanzania, and 110 Brazilian wild felids, including 12 wild felid species kept in zoos and one free-ranging ocelot. Using real-time PCR, feline hemoplasmas were detected in samples of the following species: Iberian lynx, Eurasian lynx, European wildcat, lion, puma, oncilla, Geoffroy's cat, margay, and ocelot. "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" was the most common feline hemoplasma in Iberian lynxes, Eurasian lynxes, Serengeti lions, and Brazilian wild felids, whereas "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" was the most prevalent in European wildcats; hemoplasma coinfections were frequently observed. Hemoplasma infection was associated with species and free-ranging status of the felids in all animals and with feline leukemia virus provirus-positive status in European wildcats. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA and the partial RNase P gene revealed that most hemoplasma isolates exhibit high sequence identities to domestic cat-derived isolates, although some isolates form different subclusters within the phylogenetic tree. In conclusion, 9 out of 15 wild felid species from three different continents were found to be infected with feline hemoplasmas. The effect of feline hemoplasma infections on wild felid populations needs to be further investigated.

Geoffroy's cats at the northern limit of their range: activity patterns and density estimates from camera trapping in Bolivian dry forests

We used camera traps to survey Geoffroy's cats, Oncifelis geoffroyi, at six dry forest sites in Bolivia. Cumulative activity patterns across all sites are principally nocturnal though the species is active by day in both summer and winter. At two sites the number of captures and recaptures was sufficient to estimate abundance using the software Capture, and in turn a population density of 9–40 per 100 km2 for the two sites. Geoffroy's cats are present in all dry forest types surveyed: Chaco savannas, Chaco dry forest, Chaco transitional forest, Chaco‐Chiquitano transitional forest, Chaco‐Cerrado transitional forest and Chiquitano dry forest. They are most abundant at the driest site, the only one with grassland formations and where ocelots are absent. Camera trapping records tend to be more numerous in the dry season, suggesting seasonal changes in behavior and habitat use. Resumen Empleamos trampas‐cámara para muestrear Oncifelis geoffroyi en seis sitios ubicados en bosques secos de Bolivia. El patrón de actividad en todos los sitios es principalmente nocturno, pero la especie puede estar activa de día en verano como en invierno. En dos sitios tuvimos suficiente capturas y recapturas para estimar abundancia usando el programa Capture, y luego una densidad poblacional de 9–40/100 km2 para los dos sitios. Oncifelis geoffroyi está presente en todas los tipos de bosques secos muestreados: sabanas chaqueñas, bosque seco chaqueño, bosque transicional chaqueño, bosque transicional Chaco‐Chiquitano, bosque transitional Chaco‐Cerrado, y bosque seco Chiquitano. Es más abundante en el sitio con menor precipitación, el único sitio con formaciones de pampas y donde es ausente Leopardus pardalis. Se tiene más registros con trampas‐cámara en la época seca, sugiriendo cambios estacionales en comportamiento y uso de hábitat.

NUMERICAL AND SPATIAL RESPONSES OF GEOFFROY'S CAT (ONCIFELIS GEOFFROYI) TO PREY DECLINE IN ARGENTINA

Abstract We examined the numerical and spatial responses of Geoffroy's cats (Oncifelis geoffroyi) to a prey decline in central Argentina between April 2002 and November 2003. The 2nd year of the study coincided with a severe drought. Relative abundance of brown hares (Lepus europaeus) declined from 5.6 individuals/10 km during the predrought period to about 0.6 individuals/10 km during the drought. Small-rodent biomass also showed the lowest level for the study area during the drought of 2002–2003 (134.5 g/ha). During the predrought and drought periods, 3 male and 1 female, and 1 male and 9 female Geoffroy's cats, respectively, were radiotagged and monitored. Home ranges for males of the predrought period averaged 202.8 ha ± 156.8 SD and that of the single female was 27.3 ha. During the drought period, 4 females occupied an average home range of 254.9 ± 254.1 ha, and the home-range size of the single predrought female increased by a factor of 2. No obvious change in mean daily distance traveled between th...

Selection of waterbirds by Geoffroy's cat: Effects of prey abundance, size, and distance

In spite of its wide distribution, Geoffroy's cat ( Oncifelis geoffroyi) has been recently upgraded from Least Concern IUCN category to Near Threatened because of lack of knowledge. In this study, we examine at the Mar Chiquita Biosphere Reserve (37° 46`S, 57° 27`W; Argentina) their seasonal diet, and their feeding preference in relation to waterbird abundance, size, and distance of waterbird prey before attack. The diet, evaluated by feces analysis, was comprised of 42% waterbirds and 40% small mammals. The relative importance of waterbirds in the diet changed throughout the year associated with seasonal fluctuations in their availability. Predation on waterbirds increased from autumn to summer, while predation on small mammals decreased during this period. Trophic-niche breadth for prey occurrence was higher in autumn and lower in spring. We found that abundance, distance of waterbird prey before attack, and prey size were significant predictors of waterbird consumption by the Geoffroy's cat. This small cat appears to change its kill rate in relation to waterbird abundance changes. The overconsumption of prey close to vegetation and big prey indicates selective predatory behavior by this cat.

PARASITES OF FREE-RANGING SMALL CANIDS AND FELIDS IN THE BOLIVIAN CHACO

Parasite surveys of free-ranging wildlife provide important information for monitoring population health. Between March 2001 and March 2003, we sampled 10 ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), eight Geoffroy's cats (Oncifelis geoffroyi), a jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi), five pampas foxes (Pseudalopex gymnocercus), and three crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) at three sites in the Bolivian Chaco. The objective of the study was to survey the parasite fauna of these carnivores and compare prevalence of parasites among the sites. The parasite community of these carnivores was diverse, with representatives from eight genera of nematodes, two families of cestodes, two protozoan species, and six arthropod species. Fecal parasites identified from 12 of the 13 felids and five of the six canids examined included Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Uncinaria sp., Crenosoma sp., Toxocara cati, Spirurida, Capillaria aerophila, Spirometra sp., Taeniidae, and Cystoisospora sp. Four tick species, Amblyomma parvum, A. tigrinum, A. ovale, and A. cajennense, and two flea species, Pulex irritans and Delostichus phyllotis, were identified. Two crab-eating foxes had serologic evidence of heartworm disease (HWD). Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were found in 15 of 26 animals. Although HWD was found only in canids inside the national park, parasite prevalence did not appear to differ among sites, and no evidence was found of parasite spillover from domestic to wild carnivores.

Isolation of Microsporum gypseum from the haircoat of health wild felids kept in captivity in Brazil

Dermatophytes are fungi that cause superficial mycoses in animals and humans. While studies have shown that domestic cats (Felis catus) are often asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes, and thus a significant source of infection, this aspect has not been studied in relation to their wild relatives. The present study was aimed at determining the presence of dermatophytes on the haircoat of healthy wild felids, kept in captivity at Fundacao Parque Zoologico de Sao Paulo. Samples were taken from 130 adult animals of both sexes: 25 lions (Panthera leo), 12 tigers (Panthera tigris), 6 jaguars (Panthera onca), 4 leopards (Panthera pardus), 2 snow leopards (Panthera uncia), 2 pumas (Puma concolor), 2 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), 1 ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), 28 tiger cats (Leopardus tigrinus), 10 margays (Leopardus wiedii), 8 geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi), 22 jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) and 8 pampas cats (Oncifelis colocolo). The samples were obtained by rubbing the haircoat of the animals with squares of sterile carpet, and then seeded onto Petri dishes containing Mycobiotic agar (Difco™). The plates were incubated at 25°C for 4 weeks. The isolates were subcultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (100mg/L) and cultured on slides for posterior identification by their macro- and microscopic characteristics. Microsporum gypseum was isolated from two apparently healthy lionesses (1.6%), both kept in terrariums. The most prevalent contaminants were of the genera Penicillium (27.9%); Cladosporium (24.5%); Acremonium (12.1%); Scopulariopsis and Chrysosporium (9.8%); and Aspergillus (5.3%). The occurrence of dermatophytes in the haircoat of healthy wild felids, maintained in captivity, confirms their status as asymptomatic carriers and characterizes them as sources of infection for other animals and for humans.