Small Felids Research Articles

Determinants of attitudes towards wildlife in rural Taiwan and its implications for leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) conservation performance payment

Context Conservation performance payment (CPP) is increasingly used to promote human–carnivore co-existence. The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small felid, which suffers from high levels of anthropogenic mortality. In Taiwan, CPP has recently been introduced to stimulate leopard cat conservation in rural townships. A CPP scheme for leopard cats was pilot-tested in 2019, with the aim to enroll it to other rural townships in future. Aims We determined whether CPP has a positive impact on attitudes towards leopard cat. To assess whether attitudes are species-specific, we compare attitudes towards leopard cat to attitudes towards other small carnivores, namely gem-faced civet (Paguma larvata) and ferret badger (Melogale moschata), and to pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), a species with a similar conservation status. On the basis of our results, we discuss whether leopard cat CPP is likely to benefit biodiversity preservation as a whole. Methods We used a structured (pilot-tested) questionnaire to interview 164 respondents in three rural townships in which leopard cats occur in relatively high numbers compared to other townships. Key results People felt more positive about leopard cat and pangolin, species that were seen as appealing and rare, than about gem-faced civet and ferret badger. Whether species were perceived as causing poultry depredation or agricultural losses was a main reason behind attitudes. Attitudes varied among townships. With CPP, attitudes towards all species became more positive. However, more than a quarter of the respondents were skeptical about the effectiveness of CPP. Conclusions and implications On the basis of the species popularity and area requirements, leopard cats are a suitable flagship umbrella species. As such, leopard cat CPP is likely to promote biodiversity conservation in Taiwan, especially if other (unpopular) species are taken into account in the objectives of such a scheme. For CPP to be effective, it is important that such a program is participatory, has clear objectives, accurate systems to monitor program outcomes and provides sufficient long-term local benefits. With attitudes towards wildlife varying at a small geographical scale, there is a need for research prior to implementation of CPP, so it can be adapted to local requirements.

Spatio‐temporal occurrence and sensitivity to livestock husbandry of Pallas's cat in the Mongolian Altai

AbstractBiased research and conservation efforts result in some faunal groups (e.g., small felids) being understudied, and hence these groups are often declining without adequate knowledge to manage for threat reduction. The Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul) occurs across central and western Asia with declining populations and the largest population is likely in Mongolia. A potential threat to this felid is livestock encroachment across its range, including within protected areas, yet we lack a clear understanding of the impact of livestock husbandry on this cat. We used motion‐sensitive camera data from 216 sites in 4 study areas in western Mongolia to study the occurrence probability of Pallas's cat in relation to habitat characteristics and occurrence of livestock, and conducted a local assessment within a strictly protected area where we obtained the highest number of detections. We estimated a relatively low occupancy (0.33 ± 0.10), which is associated with sites with natural vegetation, steeper slopes, and greater prey abundance. Occupancy also increased with increasing livestock occurrence, particularly large herds of sheep and goats. Such co‐occurrence was partially adjusted by diel activity segregation, presumably to limit direct encounters. Our results suggest that the preferred habitat by Pallas's cat in the study region coincides with areas encroached by livestock. The Pallas's cat's habitat is specialized and its dependence on areas that are increasingly used for grazing may eventually threaten the cat with habitat degradation, prey depletion, predation by dogs, and poisoning from pest control. Relevant conservation actions should regulate livestock encroachment within protected areas and improve grazing regimes. The Pallas's cat is an indicator species of mountainous and steppe ecosystems in central Asia; hence, further research towards the preservation of its populations would also benefit other key species across its range.

First records of the flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps on the Kampar Peninsula, Sumatra, Indonesia

AbstractThe flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps is one of the rarest small felids, with little known about its distribution, population status or habitat requirements, largely because of the few records of the species. We report here 11 detections of this Endangered species, recorded during 4 years of camera-trap surveys in a peat-swamp forest on the Kampar Peninsula, Riau province, Sumatra. These are the first records of this species on the Kampar Peninsula, in an area of c. 1,300 km2 of peat-swamp forest comprising four adjacent Ecosystem Restoration Concession licences. All records were near water bodies (mean distance 351 m) in lowland peat-swamp forest. These findings add to the existing knowledge of the species' distribution in Sumatra and confirm its presence in these peat-swamp forests. To inform species conservation management planning for the Kampar Peninsula, further research on this species is required.

Small prey for small cats: the importance of prey-size in the diet of southern tiger cat Leopardus guttulus in a competitor-free environment

ABSTRACT Small cats can have a direct influence on the organization of small Neotropical vertebrate communities. However, the magnitude of influence and role(s) played by small felids, including Leopardus guttulus, in regulating prey populations is not well understood. This study aims to determine if there is a key-taxon in the dietary composition of the southern tiger (S-tiger) cat and evaluate the relationship between prey availability and use in the restinga habitat of Southern Brazil. Oligoryzomys spp. were identified as one of the main prey items and found to be among the highest density mammal species in the restinga habitat. However, as Oligoryzomys spp. were not among the preferred prey species in the S-tiger cat’s diet, the high frequency of predation is probably a consequence of their high abundance. The diet of the S-tiger cat is characteristic of a generalist predator, eating a high diversity of different prey species, consumed per their availability, and selected according to mass and accessibility. However, in this area devoid of other felid competitors and with abundant prey, S-tiger cat seems to consume prey species within a relatively narrow mass spectrum (6–25 g), although it does not appear to select any specific taxon of any class size.

High extinction risk and limited habitat connectivity of Muñoa’s pampas cat, an endemic felid of the Uruguayan Savanna ecoregion

Muñoa’s pampas cat (recently proposed to be a distinct species, Leopardus munoai) is a small felid that is endemic to the Uruguayan Savanna ecoregion (encompassing southern Brazil, north-eastern Argentina and Uruguay). Previous studies have suggested that it is threatened, but its conservation assessment has been hampered by the scarcity of data on its ecology, including spatial distribution, population size, and connectivity. To address these issues, we developed current spatial distribution models and used them to: (i) identify the environmental variables affecting L. munoai habitat suitability; (ii) generate estimates of population size to assess its conservation status based on IUCN criteria; (iii) estimate habitat suitability in protected areas; (iv) identify potential paths of connectivity among protected areas and sites of confirmed occurrence; and (v) assess the proportion of the estimated connectivity paths that overlap with threatened areas (based on future threat projections). Our results indicated higher habitat suitability in the central area of the species’ distribution. All estimates (based on different demographic assumptions) indicated that L. munoai should be categorized in one of the IUCN threatened categories. Worryingly, several estimates indicated that it may be Critically Endangered. Only 0.73 % of its high-suitability landscape is presently protected, and connectivity among most protected areas and occurrence records was low. Additionally, areas with estimated connectivity among occurrence records mostly overlapped with regions with a high level of future habitat loss threat (92.46 %), highlighting the urgent need for an international approach to ensure the long-term survival of this elusive felid.

Unique hip and stifle extensor muscle patterns in the Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora: Felidae).

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a medium-sized felid, with a tendency to hunt for prey larger than itself. We studied the lynx hindlimb musculoskeletal anatomy in order to determine possible anatomical adaptations to hunting large prey. In our previous work, we had found characters of both large and small felids in the lynx forelimb. The crouched limbs, typical of all felids, increase the energy demands for the antigravity muscles during locomotion. As a powerful pounce is required for the smaller felid to bring down large prey, strong hindquarters may be needed. We hypothesized that the muscle attachments are more mechanically advantageous and muscles heavier in the lynx as compared to other felids to compensate for the energy requirements. In support of this, we found unique patterns in the hindlimb musculature of the lynx. Insertion of the m. gluteus medius was large with a short moment arm around the hip joint, providing mechanical disadvantage, but rapid movement. The musculus vastus medialis was relatively heavier than in other felids emphasizing the role of the m. quadriceps femoris as a powerful stifle extensor. The extensor muscles support the crouched hind limbs, which is crucial when tackling large prey, and they are also responsible for the swift powerful pounce brought by extending the hindlimbs. However, we cannot rule out the possibility the characters are shared with other Lynx spp. or they are adaptations to other aspects of the locomotor strategy in the Eurasian lynx.

Cross-species transmission of retroviruses among domestic and wild felids in human-occupied landscapes in Chile.

Human transformation of natural habitats facilitates pathogen transmission between domestic and wild species. The guigna (Leopardus guigna), a small felid found in Chile, has experienced habitat loss and an increased probability of contact with domestic cats. Here, we describe the interspecific transmission of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) between domestic cats and guignas and assess its correlation with human landscape perturbation. Blood and tissue samples from 102 free‐ranging guignas and 262 domestic cats were collected and analyzed by PCR and sequencing. Guigna and domestic cat FeLV and FIV prevalence were very similar. Phylogenetic analysis showed guigna FeLV and FIV sequences are positioned within worldwide domestic cat virus clades with high nucleotide similarity. Guigna FeLV infection was significantly associated with fragmented landscapes with resident domestic cats. There was little evidence of clinical signs of disease in guignas. Our results contribute to the understanding of the implications of landscape perturbation and emerging diseases.

Novel Circoviruses Detected in Feces of Sonoran Felids.

Sonoran felids are threatened by drought and habitat fragmentation. Vector range expansion and anthropogenic factors such as habitat encroachment and climate change are altering viral evolutionary dynamics and exposure. However, little is known about the diversity of viruses present in these populations. Small felid populations with lower genetic diversity are likely to be most threatened with extinction by emerging diseases, as with other selective pressures, due to having less adaptive potential. We used a metagenomic approach to identify novel circoviruses, which may have a negative impact on the population viability, from confirmed bobcat (Lynx rufus) and puma (Puma concolor) scats collected in Sonora, Mexico. Given some circoviruses are known to cause disease in their hosts, such as porcine and avian circoviruses, we took a non-invasive approach using scat to identify circoviruses in free-roaming bobcats and puma. Three circovirus genomes were determined, and, based on the current species demarcation, they represent two novel species. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that one circovirus species is more closely related to rodent associated circoviruses and the other to bat associated circoviruses, sharing highest genome-wide pairwise identity of approximately 70% and 63%, respectively. At this time, it is unknown whether these scat-derived circoviruses infect felids, their prey, or another organism that might have had contact with the scat in the environment. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the host of these viruses and assess health impacts in felids.

Embryo aggregation allows the production of kodkod (Leopardus guigna) blastocysts after interspecific SCNT

The kodkod (Leopardus guigna) is a small felid endemic of Chile and is considered a vulnerable species. Domestic cat oocytes have been successfully used as recipient cytoplast to reprogram somatic cells from different felids by interspecific somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT). The developmental competence of felid embryos generated by iSCNT can be improved by the aggregation method using a zona-free culture system. The objective of this research was to evaluate the developmental competence of kodkod embryos generated by iSCNT using domestic cat oocytes and the aggregation method. For this purpose, five experimental group were done: (1) cat embryos generated by IVF, (2) cat embryos generated by SCNT (Ca1x), (3) aggregated cat embryos generated by SCNT (Ca2x), (4) kodkod embryos generated by iSCNT (K1x) and (5) aggregated kodkod embryos generated by iSCNT (K2x). Cleavage, morulae and blastocyst rates were estimated. The blastocyst diameter was evaluated. The gene expression level of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG) and differentiation markers (CDX2 and GATA6) was analyzed in blastocysts. Morulae rate was higher in the IVF group and when cloned embryos were cultured in aggregates (IVF: 68.2%, Ca2x: 58.0% and K2x: 62.4%) compared to individually cultured kodkod embryos (K1x: 37.0%) (P < 0.05). Embryo aggregation increased blastocysts formation in the Ca2x group (30.9%) to a similar rate compared to the IVF group (44.5%) (P > 0.05). No blastocysts were generated in the K1x group, whereas blastocysts formation was obtained in K2x group (5.9%). The diameter of blastocysts from the K2x group (172.8 μm) was significantly lower than blastocysts from the Ca2x group (P < 0.05). The relative expression of OCT4 was lower in blastocysts from Ca1x than in blastocysts from IVF (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CDX2 expression was lower in blastocysts from Ca2x than in blastocysts from Ca1x and IVF groups (P < 0.05). In kodkod embryos, only one blastocyst from the K2x group expressed OCT4. No expression of SOX2, NANOG, CDX2 and GATA6 was detected in kodkod blastocysts. In conclusion, after iSCNT, domestic cat oocytes support the development of kodkod embryos until the morula stage. The aggregation method increases the morulae rate of kodkod cloned embryos and allows blastocysts formation. However, kodkod blastocysts have a poor morphological quality and a lacking expression of pluripotency and differentiation markers, probably caused by an incomplete nuclear reprogramming.

A small cat saving food for later: caching behavior in the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris)

Caching behavior consists on the relocation or storage of food to protect it from competitors, to delay food spoilage, or to exploit it during times of scarcity. While this behavior has been widely described for some medium and large-sized felids, only a few cases documented caching behavior in small felids. Here, we provide the first exhaustive description of a caching event on a European wildcat in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). The wildcat behaved like a lynx/puma, visiting a road-killed roe deer carcass at least 9 days along a 21-day period, consuming the main muscles and covering it with hair and vegetation.

Temporal partitioning by felids, dholes and their potential prey in northern Laos

Temporal partitioning can allow sympatric carnivores to coexist, especially if overlap of other resources is high. Using camera trap data from 2013 to 2017, we investigated the temporal partitioning of a community of wild felids and a canid in Nam Et–Phou Louey National Protected Area, Laos, to determine the extent to which temporal avoidance might be facilitating coexistence of similarly sized carnivores. We also investigated temporal overlap of these carnivore species and their presumed main prey, to determine if their activity is likely most influenced by their prey or potential competitors. The dhole (Cuon alpinus) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), the two largest carnivores, had low temporal overlap, and activity appeared to be synchronized with the main prey for dhole, but not clouded leopard. Thus, it was possible that clouded leopard used temporal partitioning to coexist with dhole. The temporal overlap of Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) was high with clouded leopard and moderate with dhole, and overall appeared to be influenced most by its presumed prey species, rather than by its potential competitors. The two small felids had the least temporal overlap between any species, as the marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) was primarily diurnal whereas the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) was primarily nocturnal. Given that the two small felids reportedly have similar diets consisting of small rodents and birds, their temporal partitioning is likely to help facilitate their coexistence. For carnivore species in northern Laos that are most similar in body size and diet, temporal partitioning is likely to be an important mechanism of coexistence. Otherwise, temporal patterns appear to be synchronized with their main prey.

Gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory endoparasites in the wild felid guigna (Leopardus guigna) in Chile: Richness increases with latitude and first records for the host species.

Guignas (Leopardus guigna) are small felids closely associated with native forest habitats. In fragmented landscapes, they use vegetation corridors and forest remnants to move across the landscape. In these contexts, guignas may increase contact probabilities with domestic animals, being therefore relevant to assess their pathogens and parasites. The aim of this study was to characterize the helminth fauna in the gastrointestinal tract and cardiorespiratory system of guignas from central and southern Chile. Between 2015 and 2018, 33 dead free-ranging guignas were found road-killed or were collected from wildlife rescue centers. Thirty-two gastrointestinal tracts and 32 cardiorespiratory organs were analyzed through direct analysis and artificial digestion. We found 81.8% (27/33) guignas were positive for helminth endoparasites (84.4% (27/32) positive for gastrointestinal parasites, 37.5% (12/32) positive for cardiorespiratory parasites). Fourteen parasites were identified (7 at genus level and 7 at species level), with Angiostrongylus sp., Molineus sp., Oslerus sp. and Troglostrongylus sp. as first records in guignas. The most prevalent parasites were the species Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati and Uncinaria stenocephala. Uncinaria stenocephala showed the highest intensity of infection. Multiparasitism was observed in 76% of the animals. Significant differences in richness of endoparasites and prevalence of cardiorespiratory parasites were found between geographic zones; higher values in the southern zone are possibly due to favorable environmental characteristics for endoparasite development. There were no statistically significant differences between sexes. All the parasites found in this study have been previously reported in domestic cats. These results are valuable to understand parasite transmission at the domestic-wildlife interface; the possibility of endoparasite transmission between domestic cats and guignas should be clarified with molecular analysis.

New Pampas cat Leopardus colocolo (Molina, 1782) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) records for the Chaco ecoregion raise questions on the distribution and population status of this felid in Argentina

The Pampas cat is a poorly-known small felid distributed throughout a large portion of South America, reported as extinct in the Pampas of Argentina, and absent from a large portion of the Argentine Dry Chaco. Here, we compile data from the field and collections to report new presence records of the Pampas cat from the Dry Chaco of Argentina, which update to the distribution of this felid in the region. We discuss the need of further assessments for the species distribution in the light of ongoing land-use changes in the area.

Size Matters: Zoo Data Analysis Shows that the White Blood Cell Ratio Differs between Large and Small Felids.

The total number of white blood cells (WBCs) is related the immune system. In mammals, it is affected by the body mass, but it is unclear how the numbers of different WBC types correlate with this parameter. We analyzed the effect of body mass on WBC number and ratio in felids, where species are similar in diet (warm-blood vertebrates) and reproductive strategy (promiscuity). Based on zoo veterinary data (ZIMS database) we analyzed the effect of body mass on WBC number and neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio in 26 species of felids. The number of WBCs correlated with the body masses of animals: large cats had more WBC, which may be due to greater risks of infection associated with larger body surface, lifespan and home range size. For the first time we found obvious differences in the number of WBC types. Large cats also had more neutrophils and monocytes but fewer lymphocytes than smaller cats. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes is greater in large felids. This phenomenon may be related to diet (relative prey size and kill utilization time), which suggests regular contact of large cats with bacterial and protozoal pathogens in contrast to the small cats.

Longitudinal fecal hormone monitoring of adrenocortical function in zoo housed fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) during institutional transfers and breeding introductions.

The ex situ population of fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) has become increasingly important for the conservation of this species. Unfortunately, captivity-induced stress is a concern and potential factor for lack of breeding success in this small felid, resulting in an unsustainable population. The objectives of this study were to: 1) validate an enzyme immunoassay for monitoring of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations in the fishing cat; 2) identify potential exogenous stressors in the captive environment; 3) pinpoint management techniques that may lower FGM concentrations; and 4) determine if FGM concentrations are related to breeding success. Through a successful adrenocorticotrophic hormone challenge and additional laboratory methods, a cortisol enzyme immunoassay was validated as an effective tool for detecting FGM in this species. Between 2010 and 2013, longitudinal FGM monitoring was conducted in 26 fishing cats in the North American Species Survival Plan®. Exogenous stressors that elevated FGM concentrations included: chemical immobilizations; permanent transfers between facilities; construction; facility events; and fights/aggression among breeding pairs. Management factors that lowered FGM concentrations included: increased animal-keeper interaction through formal training; and providing indoor, off-exhibit, holding areas. In addition, social housing of individuals (either established breeding pairs or same sex pairs) decreased FGM concentrations. Individuals with breeding success (defined as observed copulations during the study period) also had lower FGM concentrations than unsuccessful individuals. Findings indicate that management factors play a role in lowering glucocorticoid (stress) levels in fishing cats, which may ultimately affect breeding success in the ex situ population.

Prionailurus rubiginosus (Carnivora: Felidae)

Abstract Prionailurus rubiginosus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831), the smallest felid at nearly one-half the size of a domestic cat, is commonly called the rusty-spotted cat. One of five species in the genus Prionailurus, it is found in wet or dry deciduous forests as well as scrubby grasslands throughout Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal’s western Terai. Habitat loss, road accidents, and the spread of agricultural cultivation are considered major threats throughout its range. Rare in captivity and museum collections, it is considered “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, with the Indian population listed under Appendix I and the Sri Lankan and Nepali populations listed with all Felidae under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Determining the diet of an African mesocarnivore, the caracal: scat or GPS cluster analysis?

The caracal Caracal caracal is the largest of Africa's small felids (<20 kg). Across much of Africa, particularly where larger predators have been extirpated, caracal are one of the main carnivores contributing to livestock predation. Caracal dietary studies are outdated, typically have small sample sizes and have mainly relied on scat analysis. We used a combination of scat analysis (n = 250 scats) and GPS cluster visitation (n = 458 clusters visited; n = 91 clusters with feeding events) to estimate caracal diet in South Africa's Succulent Karoo, a global biodiversity hotspot. Based on both methods, rock hyrax Procavia capensis was the caracal's main prey. Small mammals accounted for 25.3% of total biomass consumed by caracal using scat analysis, however, were absent based on GPS cluster investigations. Domestic sheep Ovis aries biomass consumed was much higher (59.5%) when inferred from GPS cluster visitation than from scats (5%). Wild medium-to-large mammalian prey had little variation between the two methods. GPS telemetry did not enable detection of small prey (<1 kg) and possibly over-represented large prey items, including livestock. Scat analysis provided a broader representation of caracal diet, but scat investigations could have underestimated larger prey since caracals ingest only small amounts of hair from large-bodied animals. We recommend a combination of GPS cluster visitation and scat analysis to determine the diet of caracal and other mesocarnivores across a range of prey sizes.

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.

Drivers of stereotypic behaviour and physiological stress among captive jungle cat (Felis chaus Schreber, 1777) in India

Zoos play a vital role in managing and conserving a wide range of threatened species and in enhancing their populations in natural habitats through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. Most small felids are poor breeders in zoos, owing to a range of issues such as spatial constraints, diet, disturbance from visitors, small population size, social grouping and other environmental factors in the exhibits. Many of these factors have also been found to influence the glucocorticoid levels among them. Chronic elevations in glucocorticoids can ultimately lead to psychological and physiological problems, eventually affecting reproduction and fitness. We assessed the influence of four biological and seven environmental factors on stress level linked to psychological (stereotype), and physiological (Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite, FGM) conditions and positive welfare behaviour (active and inactive) among 14 jungle cats Felis chaus managed at three zoos in Indian (two in Kerala and one in Maharashtra) during May 2014–March 2017. Stereotype, a behavioural indicator of stress, and welfare behaviour were assessed through 336 h daylight focal sampling and physiological stress following non-invasive FGM extraction using Enzyme-Immunoassay (EIA) from 63 fresh faecal samples. Overall, jungle cats spent more time on inactive (72%) compared to active behaviour (23%) and 5% on stereotypic behaviour. On average, the jungle cats had 43.3 ng/g of FGM. The Principal Component Analysis on 11 independent factors revealed that daylight hour did not influence active, inactive and stereotype behaviours. In addition, age also had no significant influence on FGM levels. Binary logistic regression revealed that active behaviour was more likely to be observed in cats fed live chicken, housed on natural substrate and in females. Inactive behaviour was significantly lower in younger cats, but higher in cats managed with hideouts. Our results suggest that cats housed with non-relatives and in enclosures lacking hideouts have higher rates of stereotype. Multiple regression analyses on behaviour indicate that active behaviour was significantly higher in cats when the arrival age at the zoo was <1 year, among females compared to males, fed live chicken compared to beef, when managed in natural compared to artificial enclosures and in enclosures without hideouts. Remarkably, inactive behaviour increased significantly with increase in visitor intensity and when cats fed beef compared to live chicken. The stereotypic behaviour was significantly lower in females and higher when the arrival age at the zoo was >1 year. It was also the case when the cats were fed beef vs. whole live chicken, when managed in enclosures without hideouts, and also when managed with unrelated conspecifics compared to those kept in enclosures with hideouts and in solitary condition. The FGM levels were significantly higher among males but lower among cats managed in natural and larger enclosures, and enclosures with hideouts, when compared to those managed in artificial, smaller enclosures and enclosures without hideouts. We recommend the provision of larger (>29 m2) natural enclosures with hideout facilities, management in solitary condition or in social groupings with related conspecifics and feeding of live prey to promote positive welfare and reduce psychological and physiological stress among the jungle cats in zoos.

Cats under cover: Habitat models indicate a high dependency on woodlands by Atlantic Forest felids

AbstractFour Neotropical small and medium felids—the ocelot, jaguarundi, margay, and southern tiger cat—have overlapping geographic distributions in the endangered Atlantic Forest. Local studies show that these felids avoid areas with high human impact, but the three smaller ones use human‐modified areas more frequently than do ocelots. To understand how landscape changes affect the habitat distribution of these four felids in the Atlantic Forest of Argentina, we used maximum entropy models to analyze the effect of environmental and anthropogenic factors. We estimated niche breadth and overlap among these felids. The conversion of the native forest to land uses without trees was the most important variable that determined the habitat distribution of the four species. For all four species, the optimal habitat covered about 1/3 of the study area and corresponds mainly to the native forest areas. Nearly 50% of these areas had some level of protection. The niche width was higher for the small felids than for ocelots. Niche overlap was high for all species pairs, but higher among the small felids and lower for each of these with the ocelot. The four felids were negatively affected by native forest loss, with ocelots being more sensitive than the smaller felids. The conversion of unprotected forest areas to other types of land uses would imply a greater habitat loss for these felids. The protection of current remnants of Atlantic Forest in Argentina is important for the long‐term conservation of the four felids.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.