Colocolo Research Articles

Taxonomic revision of the pampas catLeopardus colocolacomplex (Carnivora: Felidae): an integrative approach

AbstractThe pampas cat Leopardus colocola has been subject to conflicting classifications over the years. Currently, one polytypic species with seven subspecies is recognized, but integrative taxonomic study for this debated group has never been done. Here, we combine the broadest morphological coverage of the pampas cat to date with molecular data and ecological niche models to clarify its species composition and test the validity of recently proposed subspecies. The multiple lines of evidence derived from morphology, molecular, biogeography and climatic niche datasets converged on the recognition of five monotypic species: L. braccatus, L. colocola, L. garleppi (including thomasi, budini, steinbachi, crespoi and wolffsohni as synonyms), L. munoai and L. pajeros (including crucina as synonym). These five species are morphologically diagnosable based on skin and skull traits, have evolved in distinct climatic niche spaces and were recovered in molecular species delimitation. Contrary to previous taxonomic arrangements, we do not recognize subspecies in pampas cats. To objectively define the two most controversial species, we designate neotypes for L. colocola and L. pajeros. The diversification of pampas cats is associated with Middle Pleistocene glaciations, but additional genetic samples from the central Andean region are still needed to conclusively reconstruct its evolutionary history.

Field Chemical Immobilization of Andean and Pampas Cats in the High‐Altitude Andes

ABSTRACTThree protocols (Ketamine–Medetomidine, Ketamine–Xylazine and Ketamine–Medetomidine–Midazolam) were used to immobilize 2 sympatric wild cat species, the critically endangered Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita), and the relatively more common Pampas cat (L. colocolo), in the high Andes Mountains of Argentina between September 2011 and May 2016. Based on 8 Andean cat capture events and 9 Pampas cat capture events, we determined that the ketamine–medetomidine combination safely induced 45 minutes of anesthesia at a dosage range of ketamine: 6–9 mg/kg, medetomidine: 0.05–0.08 mg/kg for field immobilization. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation remained within acceptable limits during all captures, but we had cases of hyperthermia in animals captured during the day. There was no evidence of a decline in the health condition of any animals recaptured 148–1,290 days post–initial capture. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.

Temporal overlap between two sympatric carnivores in northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador

The coexistence of sympatric species is determined by differences in their ecological niche. Thus, for taxonomically and ecologically similar species to coexist, they must segregate in at least one of the three most important dimensions of the ecological niche: space, time or diet. The Pampas Cat Leopardus colocola and the Sechuran Fox Lycalopex sechurae are sympatric species; and they are the most common medium-sized carnivores in the Sechura Desert and in the lowland seasonally dry tropical forest of Peru and Ecuador. We evaluated the activity pattern of both mesocarnivores using camera trapping and temporal overlap analysis in both arid ecosystems. We found a high degree of activity overlap and no statistically significant difference in the activity pattern of both species (Δ = 0.85 with 95% CI = 0.81 – 0.94; W = 0.531, SD = 2, P = 0.767), both being cathemeral. There is, however, a contrasting pattern in the daytime activity of these species in the dry forest. These results suggest that the different diet composition may be the main dimension that is facilitating the coexistence of both mesocarnivores in the arid ecosystems of northern Peru and southern Ecuador.

Density and activity patterns of Andean cat and pampas cat (Leopardus jacobita and L. colocolo) in the Bolivian Altiplano

Abstract ContextUnderstanding the factors that determine the distribution and abundance of species is an important aim of ecology and prerequisite for conservation. The Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita) and the pampas cat (L. colocolo) are two of the least studied felids. Both are threatened, of similar size and live sympatrically in the Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Perú. AimsWe aimed at estimating the population densities of the Andean cat and pampas cat in two continuous areas and to analyse the activity patterns of these two species and that of mountain vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia), the main prey of the Andean cat. MethodsWe used camera traps to evaluate the density of both felid species using the space explicit capture recapture (SECR) framework and the overlap in their activity patterns with that of mountain vizcacha, using the kernel-density estimator in two contiguous areas in the Bolivian Altiplano, at Muro-Amaya and at Micani, both within the Ciudad de Piedra region. Key resultsAndean cat density was estimated at 6.45 individuals per 100km2 in Muro-Amaya and 6.91 individuals per 100km2 in Micani, whereas the density of the pampas cat was 5.31 individuals per 100km2 and 8.99 individuals per 100km2 respectively. The Andean cat was mainly nocturnal, whereas the pampas cat was cathemeral. The activity of the mountain vizcacha overlapped less with that of its specialised predator, the Andean cat, than with that of the pampas cat. ConclusionsIn line with our predictions, the Andean cat, considered a more specialised nocturnal hunter, particularly of mountain vizcacha, had lower population densities than did the more generalist pampas cat. ImplicationsLow population densities, as compared with theoretical expectations, pose an additional conservation problem for these felids, in an area such as the high Andes.

208 Effect of growth factors and reprogramming molecules on induction to multipotency of dermal fibroblasts from colocolo (Leopardus colocolo)

Reprogramming of terminally differentiated cells to higher plasticity levels can be achieved with small molecules. This can be of value for somatic cell nucleus transfer, deriving multi and pluripotent cells and conservation purposes. Recently, induced mesenchymal stem cells were derived from differentiated human and mouse cells by using small molecules and growth factors. The pampas cat or colocolo (Leopardus colocolo) is a South American felid categorrized as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Major historical threats to the pampas cat include illegal hunting, habitat loss or transformation, and conflict retaliation for poultry predation. Here, we tested 5-azacytidine (an epigenetic modifier) and A8301 (a potent inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β type I receptor superfamily), linked to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-B) to induce changes in the expression of pluripotency genes and differentiation capacity of colocolo fibroblasts towards other mesodermal lineages. For this, dermal fibroblasts were treated with (I) 5-azacytidine + PRP + A8301 + VitC, or (II) 5- azacytidine + VitC + A8301 + PDFG for 12 days. On Days 0, 5, and 12 of reprogramming, expression of OCT4, NANOG, E-cadherin and SNAIL was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR, and tri-lineage differentiation was induced. For treatment I, no statistical difference was found in the expression of OCT4 and NANOG. Chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation was observed. In treatment II, significant expression of OCT4 and NANOG (P<0.05) was induced, and reprogrammed fibroblasts were differentiated into chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages. Immunohistochemistry positivity for OCT4 was detected in treatment II. In summary, we showed that dermal fibroblasts of pampas cat can be reprogrammed into cells with multipotent characteristics, particularly when a cocktail of 5-azacytidine + VitC + A8301 + PDFG was used. Treatment I probably failed because of other growth factors and proteins present in PRP, which might inhibit successful reprogramming or activate other pathways leading to a nonmultipotent phenotype. Further refinements of these protocols are required to improve the reprogramming protocol. This in turn should help us obtain cells that can be used in nucleus transfer or cellular therapies in endangered felid species.

Conservation planning in Uruguay based on small felids (Leopardus spp.) as umbrella species

ABSTRACTFelids biogeographic patterns in Uruguay are poorly understood despite the importance of fringe populations of species in conservation. We determined suitability areas, analyzed species richness and assessed the role of Uruguayan protected areas in the conservation of small felids: margay, pampas cat, and Geoffroy’s cat. We applied umbrella-species approach to select conservation areas based on habitat suitability for these species. Habitat suitability models were developed with Maxent, 218 presence records and 21 bioclimatic and topographic variables. Maps show margay in the east, pampas cat in the entire country except the north and Geoffroy’s cat in the entire country. Highest richness was found in the east and the lowest in the north. Protected areas cover 1% of each species distribution range and although most of them provide suitable habitat for at least one species, none of them has adequate surface alone to sustain viable populations. This is the first study that addresses Uruguayan felid distribution based on objective methodologies and a broad set of presence records. Based on information generated, we selected six zones to focus efforts in research and biodiversity conservation. The approach proved useful to guide management plans and conservation decisions and can be extrapolated to other species and countries.

Trophic ecology of sympatric small cats in the Brazilian Pampa.

Information about resource partitioning among small cat species that live in sympatry in South America is fairly incomplete. Knowledge about feeding habits is essential for understanding the role of these predators in the environment, the impact on prey populations, and potential competition among themselves and with other carnivores. This study aimed to describe and compare the diet of four sympatric small cats in the grasslands of southern Brazil. We analysed the stomach contents of 37 Geoffroy’s cats (Leopardus geoffroyi), 27 margays (Leopardus wiedii), 14 pampas cats (Leopardus colocola), and 20 jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) obtained as road kill in the Brazilian Pampa in southern Brazil. Small mammals were the most representative class consumed by all cats, followed by Aves, Reptilia, and Amphibia. Some items, such as rodents Cavia aperea, Akodon sp., Oligoryzomys sp. and Passeriformes were consumed by all cat species. Niche overlap varied widely, from 10% (margay x jaguarundi) to 92% (jaguarundi x pampas cat). Niche breadth indicated that jaguarundi were the most specialized of the cats (Bsta = 0.24) in this region, with a diet closely associated to C. aperea. Margay consumed more items associated with arboreal behaviour than other cat species, but consumed more terrestrial items than arboreal ones. The pampas cat consumed mostly terrestrial species associated with open fields. Geoffroy’s cat consumed mammals found in a diversity of habitats, indicating high ecological flexibility. Species with more similarity in diet such as jaguarundi and pampas cat probably present temporal segregation in activity. In conclusion, despite their habitat and diet similarities, these four species explore distinct microhabitats by foraging different prey groups, what favor them to live in sympatry.

External and skull morphology of the Andean cat and Pampas cat: new data from the high Andes of Argentina

Andean and Pampas cats are 2 Neotropical small felids of the genus Leopardus. Until now, most of the scarce morphometric data published for these felids, especially the rare Andean cat (L. jacobita), were obtained from museum skins and skulls of undetermined sex. Here, we present morphological data from Pampas cats (L. colocolo) and the largest sample of live Andean cats (5 Andean cats and 6 Pampas cats) captured in the Argentine High Andes. We provide a craniometric analysis of all available adult skulls of Andean cats, including the first known female specimens of Andean and Pampas cats (n = 42). We nearly double the number of published external measurements for live Andean cats, and provide measurements and photos of all available skulls of adult Andean cats, including 2 new skulls with known sex. The data show that Andean cats are larger than Pampas cats and morphometric differences may be related to sexual dimorphism in both species. Principal component analysis of skull measurements showed almost complete separation of Andean and Pampas cats.

Phylogeographic analyses of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocola; Carnivora, Felidae) reveal a complex demographic history.

The pampas cat is a small felid that occurs in open habitats throughout much of South America. Previous studies have revealed intriguing patterns of morphological differentiation and genetic structure among its populations, as well as molecular evidence for hybridization with the closely related L. tigrinus. Here we report phylogeographic analyses encompassing most of its distribution (focusing particularly on Brazilian specimens, which had been poorly sampled in previous studies), using a novel dataset comprising 2,143 bp of the mitogenome, along with previously reported mtDNA sequences. Our data revealed strong population strutucture and supported a west-to-east colonization process in this species’ history. We detected two population expansion events, one older (ca. 200 thousand years ago [kya]) in western South America and another more recent (ca. 60-50 kya) in eastern areas, coinciding with the expansion of savanna environments in Brazil. Analyses including L. tigrinus individuals bearing introgressed mtDNA from L. colocola showed a complete lack of shared haplotypes between species, indicating that their hybridization was ancient. Finally, we observed a close relationship between Brazilian/Uruguayan L. colocola haplotypes and those sampled in L. tigrinus, indicating that their hybridization was likely related to the demographic expansion of L. colocola into eastern South America.

Assessment of the current distribution and human perceptions of the Pampas cat Leopardus colocolo in northern Peru and southern Ecuador

AbstractThe Pampas cat Leopardus colocolo occurs in a variety of habitats from northern Ecuador to southern Argentina, yet the species has been poorly studied. There is scant information about its northern distribution or about populations in desert and dry forest. We aimed to determine the presence of the Pampas cat in the Sechura Desert and seasonally dry forest of north-western Peru and south-western Ecuador, identify threats to the species, and describe people's perceptions of it. Using 32 camera traps and compiling confirmed and unpublished records, we mapped the species’ distribution and identified 12 new localities, three in the Sechura Desert and nine in the dry forest. The first records of the Pampas cat in the Ecuadorian dry forest are reported from La Ceiba Natural Reserve and Jorupe Reserve; the northernmost record in the dry forest is from Cerros de Amotape National Park, Peru. In 56 semi-structured interviews with local people we found that most of them (76.8%) did not know the species; 61.5% of those who knew the species had a neutral perception and did not think the cat affected their personal activities. Here we update the northern distribution of the Pampas cat, describe threats to the species in arid ecosystems, and highlight the need for further studies to identify other possible threats and mitigation methods.

Sistema de grupos sanguíneos AB em felídeos neotropicais e compatibilidade com gatos domésticos

RESUMO O principal sistema de grupos sanguíneos reconhecido para gatos é o AB. Os felinos apresentam anticorpos naturais contra o antígeno do tipo sanguíneo a que não pertencem, o que torna os testes de compatibilidade e as tipagens sanguíneas importantes na prevenção de reações transfusionais. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a tipagem sanguínea de oito gatos-mouriscos (Puma yagouaroundi), oito jaguatiricas (Leopardus pardalis), sete gatos-palheiros (Leopardus colocolo), sete gatos domésticos (Felis catus) da raça Persa e oito gatos domésticos sem raça definida (SRD), bem como realizar testes de compatibilidade entre os tipos sanguíneos iguais das diferentes espécies, para avaliar a possibilidade de transfusões interespecíficas. A técnica empregada para a tipagem foi a hemaglutinação em tubos de ensaio. A ocorrência do tipo sanguíneo tipo A foi de 100% entre as jaguatiricas, os gatos-palheiros e os gatos Persas e de 85,72% entre os gatos SRD. A ocorrência do tipo B foi de 100% nos gatos-mouriscos e de 14,28% nos gatos SRD. Considerando os testes de compatibilidade sanguínea, 87,5% (n=4) das jaguatiricas foram incompatíveis com os gatos domésticos, 100% (n= 6) dos gatos-palheiros foram compatíveis com os gatos domésticos e 100% (n= 4) dos gatos-mouriscos foram incompatíveis com os gatos domésticos do tipo B.

Morphology of the testes and epididymal ducts in the pampas cat Leopardus colocolo (Molina, 1782)

ABSTRACT: The pampas cat Leopardus colocolo (Molina, 1782) is a species of the Felidae family, widely distributed in South America, included on CITES Appendix II and classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with population trend decreasing. Based on this information, the objective of this study is to describe morphologically the testes and epididymal ducts of pampas cat. The animal, coming from the Federal University of Mato Grosso Zoo, Brazil, had died after anesthesia procedure and the male reproductive system was dissected to collect the testicles. The samples taken were fragmented and histologically examined. From the microscopic analysis of the testes were identified: vaginal and tunica albuginea, formed by dense connective tissue modeled with large amount of collagen fibers. The tunica albuginea fibrous septa emits into the body. The seminiferous tubules are coiled and coated internally by spermatogenic epithelium consisting of Sertoli cells, surrounded by a basement membrane in the presence of myoid cells. The interstitial tissue between the seminiferous tubules, is composed of loose connective tissue, blood and lymph vessels, and Leydig cells in polyhedral shape. The epididymal ducts showed pseudostratified columnar epithelium with secretory cells of which stereocilia design, situated on a basement membrane filled by myoid cells. This epithelium has principal and basal cells, the main cell design stereocilia toward the lumen of the epididymal duct.

Exposure of Free-Ranging Wild Carnivores and Domestic Dogs to Canine Distemper Virus and Parvovirus in the Cerrado of Central Brazil.

Human population growth around protected areas increases the contact between wild and domestic animals, promoting disease transmission between them. This study investigates the exposure of free-ranging wild carnivores and domestic dogs to canine distemper virus (CDV) and parvovirus in Emas National Park (ENP) in the Cerrado savanna of central Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 169 wild carnivores, including the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) and coati (Nasua nasua), and from 35 domestic dogs living on rural properties bordering ENP. Serological tests showed that 10.6% of wild carnivores (maned wolves, crab-eating foxes and ocelots) and 71.4% of domestic dogs were exposed to CDV, and 56.8% of wild carnivores, including all species sampled except coatis, and 57.1% of domestic dogs were exposed to parvovirus. This report is the first to indicate that the free-ranging pampas cat, jaguarundi and striped hog-nosed skunk are exposed to parvovirus. CDV and parvovirus deserve attention in ENP, and it is extremely important to monitor the health of carnivore populations and perform molecular diagnosis of the viruses to determine the possible involvement of the domestic dog in their transmission.

Detection of Chlamydophila felis and Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 in non-domestic felids in Brazil

Poucos trabalhos descrevem a ocorrência dos agentes do complexo respiratório felino, Herpesvírus Felino tipo 1 (FHV-1) e Chlamydophila felis, e a coinfecção com o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e leucemia viral felina (FeLV) em felinos não domésticos no Brasil. Entre 2009 e 2010, 72 amostras de swab de conjuntiva e de soro foram coletados de oito espécies de felinos não domésticos (Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus tigrinus, Panthera leo, Panthera tigris, Puma concolor, Puma yagouaroundi, Oncifelis colocolo, and Panthera onca) mantidos em cativeiro em zoológicos brasileiros. O DNA foi extraído das amostras de swab de conjuntiva para detecção de Chlamydophila sp e FHV-1 pela PCR. Anticorpos para FIV e antígeno para FeLV foram determinados pelo kit comercial de ELISA. Anticorpos para FIV foram detectados em cinco felídeos (6,9%). Nenhuma amostra foi positiva para a presença de antígeno de FeLV. Um (1,3%) dos 72 felinos não domésticos apresentou fragmentos de DNA de Chlamydophila sp e FHV-1 pela PCR. Este felino era uma jaguatirica que não apresentou anticorpos para FIV e nem antígeno para FelV. Estes resultados demonstram a ocorrência de coinfecção de C. felis e FHV-1 em uma jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) no Brasil.

Medium- and large-sized mammals in a steppic savanna area of the Brazilian Pampa: survey and conservation issues of a poorly known fauna.

The wildlife of the Brazilian Pampa is threatened by large-scale habitat loss, due in particular to the expansion of soybean cultivation and the conversion of grasslands areas into extensive areas of silviculture. It is essential to study how the mammal fauna copes with the highly fragmented, human-influenced, non-protected landscape. Our study presents the results of a survey of the large- and medium-sized mammals of a typical human-influenced steppic savanna area of the Pampa biome. The survey was conducted exclusively with the use of camera traps over a period of 16 months. The relative frequencies of species in the area were evaluated. We recorded 18 species, some of them locally threatened (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira and Cuniculus paca). Several species were found to thrive in the area; however, many species were considered rare, and undoubtedly new species could be recorded if we continued the sampling. Our results contribute to the knowledge of faunal diversity in the Pampa biome and associated habitats, warn about threats and provide support for conservation measures.

Molecular and morphologic characterization of Sarcocystis felis (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in South American wild felids from Brazil

Wild felids are thought to share parasites with domestic cats. However, little is known of the coccidian parasites of wild felids. We investigated the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in tissues of 6 species of 90 Neotropical small felids killed in road accidents in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil by using microscopic and molecular techniques. Formalin-fixed tissues from 28 felids were examined, and Sarcocystis felis-like sarcocysts were detected in 4 wild cats (2 Puma yagouaroundi and 2 Leopardus guttulus). By transmission electron microscopy, sarcocysts from a P. yagouaroundi were identical to S. felis from domestic cats in the USA. Direct sequencing of PCR amplicons resulted the unambiguous sequences of the ITS-1 region from 18 of the 31 PCR positive wild cats; 5 sequences from each P. yagouaroundi, and Leopardus geoffroyi, 4 sequences from L. guttulus, and 2 sequences from each Leopardus wiedii, and Leopardus colocolo. Sequences analysis of ITS-1 region revealed the highest identiy (97–99%) with that of previously describe isolates of S. felis from domestic cats in the USA and identified them as S. felis. Tissues of 1 Leopardus pardalis tested by PCR and histology were negative. The phylogenetic relationship indicated that S. felis is quite different to species which employ opossums as their definitive host. This is the first report of S. felis infection in small wild felids from Brazil.

Occurrence of oral diseases in neotropical wild carnivores kept in captivity at the zoo from Federal University of Mato Grosso – Cuiabá

Control of oral lesions contributes directly to the health, survival and welfare of captive animals. In order to investigate the occurrence of oral diseases in neotropical wild carnivores kept at the zoo at the Federal University of Mato Grosso – Cuiaba, we evaluated 31 oral cavities from three families of carnivores (Felidae, Canidae and Procyonidae) between July 2012 and June 2013. Twelve coatis ( Nasua nasua ), three raccoons ( Procyon cancrivorus ), two maned wolves ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ), six crab-eating fox ( Cerdocyon thous ), one hoary fox ( Pseudalopex vetulus ), three ocelots ( Leopardus pardalis ), one cougar ( Puma concolor ) and three wild cats ( Puma yagouaroundi , Leopardus wiedii and Leopardus colocolo ) were reviewed. The most frequent lesions were dental absences 21/31 (67.7%), dental fractures 20/31 (64.5%) and tooth wear 19/31 (61.3%), which were suggestive of trauma caused from stress. Of lesser importance, we also observed occurrence of dental calculus grade I in 18/31 (58%), caries 1/31 (3.2%), foreign bodies 2/31 (6.4%), orofacial fistulas 1/31 (3.2%), hyperplasia in the oral mucosa 1/31 (3.2%), dental dimming 3/31 (9.7%) and chafing of the soft tissue 5/31 (16.1%). Therefore, it was concluded that environmental enrichment strategies and oral routine evaluation must be implemented to ensure the welfare of these animals, reducing local and systemic adverse effects of oral lesions. The diet has been successful in preventing periodontal disease, suggesting that this diet for the captive animals in the institution should be maintained.

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.

How are wetlands and biological interactions related to carnivore distributions at high altitude?

Determining the geographic range of species is a main objective in ecology and has implications for conservation. Key determinants of carnivore distribution in dry environments are competition and the availability of water. Here, we gathered and mapped the available information on carnivore habitat quality in the high Andes and Puna in the extreme north of Argentina. We investigated four carnivore species: the Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita), the Pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), the cougar (Puma concolor) and the culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus). We assessed the main determinants of their distribution, testing explicitly for the effects of seasonal and temporal wetlands and biological interactions. We used species distribution models, and created biophysical models using environmental and landscape variables. Then, by including the four species' biophysical models into the model of the focal species, we tested for the importance of biological interactions. Wetlands were most important for the culpeo fox, most likely because it uses aquatic birds as prey. The cougar was the least restricted species in this arid environment, perhaps due to its large home range. In general, environmental variables, distances to wetlands and the annual range of temperature defined species’ distributions better than did biological interactions. Only the distribution of the Andean cat, a specialized species, was influenced by biological interactions with the Pampas cat.

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.