Oncilla Leopardus tigrinus

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Oncillas are one of the smallest cat species in the Americas, averaging 2.5 kg. Their coat is light brown to rich ochre or grey, with very dark brown or black spots and blotches. The underparts are lighter with solitary black spots. Limbs are spotted on the outside, and the long tail has spots at the root, developing into black rings. They are daintily built cats, with a narrow head and a white line above the eyes. The large ears are rounded and black on the outside with a conspicuous white central spot. The irises are golden or light brown. The fur is firm, lies close to the skin and does not turn forward in the nape region as it does on the Ocelot Leopardus pardalis and Margay Leopardus wiedii. Melanistic oncillas do occur.

A little known species, they apparently show a strong preference for montane cloud forest, and are found at higher levels than the margay or ocelot. In Columbia, they are restricted to elevations above 1,500 metres and have been found as high as 4,500 metres, approximately the snowline. They have also been collected from the Andean highlands in Ecuador, a zone where the cougar Puma concolor and pampas cat Oncifelis colocolo also occur. In Brazil, they have been found in subtropical forest highlands, early secondary forest and semi arid thorny scrub. Very little is known of their behaviour or ecology in the wild. These rare little cats are known by a variety of names, depending on their location: oncilla, tigrina, tigrillo, tigrillito, little spotted cat, and tiger cat are some of the more common forms.

Oncillas are good climbers, and very agile in the trees, but they do not walk slowly down tree trunks in a headfirst position as does the margay. Large oncillas and small margays are about the same size and share the same habitats, but oncillas generally take smaller prey. This allows them to share their ranges with the ocelot and margay with little competition for food. The limited information available on their food habits suggest they eat rodents, small primates, birds, insects, and reptiles. They are thought to be nocturnal and solitary, except for mating.

The female’s oestrous period lasts several days, and adult males can be very aggressive towards females. Gestation in captivity is about 74 - 76 days, with a litter size of one to three kittens each weighing from 58 - 116 grams. Their eyes open around 17 days, and the kittens are weaned at about two to three months. Sexual maturity is achieved at between one and a half and two years. They have lived to 23 years of age in captivity.

This species has been widely hunted for the fur trade throughout its range. A report on South American cats in trade between 1976 and 1982 showed oncillas to be one of the four most heavily exploited small cats. It is difficult to assess the threats to this species when so little is known about it. Coffee plantations are often established in cloud forest habitat, but observations of the oncilla in deforested areas and eucalyptus plantations on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil suggest tolerance of habitat alteration.

The few oncillas in captivity in North America are held by private breeders, and a few exist in zoological parks in Europe and South America. Their record in captivity has not been good, with a high infant mortality rate posing a significant problem.

Emphasis is increasingly turning towards in situ management programs for the tropical cats. The Sao Paulo Zoo in Brazil has built an off exhibit breeding facility for several small native felines, including the oncilla. It is hoped the natural conditions and familiar food will induce normal reproductive behaviour in these shy animals. A nuclear population will be established to maintain a level of genetic diversity, ensuring the survival of the species in South America.

Oncillas are protected over part of their range. Exceptions are Ecuador, Guyana, Nicaragua and Peru, where hunting is allowed. They are considered rare in most areas and common in none. CITES has placed them on Appendix I.