"Essentially nothing is known about the biology and behaviour of the Andean cat"
Since the range of the Andean Cat coincides with the chinchilla,
and they've been seen hunting chinchillas and a related animal
called a viscacha, it's known that they eat them. What else they eat
is a matter of conjecture for now. There have been only 10
sightings of the Andean cat in the last 25 years (by scientists).
and they've been seen hunting chinchillas and a related animal
called a viscacha, it's known that they eat them. What else they eat
is a matter of conjecture for now. There have been only 10
sightings of the Andean cat in the last 25 years (by scientists).
 |
| Photo by Jim Sanderson, ARKive |
One look at this cat's fur and you might guess it lives in the cold,
and you'd be right. Andean cats live above 4000 meters, above the
tree line, in extreme cold year-round. Although it is cold, it's
considered semi-desert, as you might guess from the landscape in
the short video above.
I found a brief reference to one individual being radio-collared and
the data indicating these cats may be nocturnal, though most
sightings have been during the day. This data is being collected by
the Andean Cat Alliance, part of the Wildlife Conservation
Network.
Threats to Andean cats are habitat loss and hunting. The indigenous
people of the Andes believe these cats to be sacred, and hunt them.
They use dried and stuffed specimens in religious festivals. This
actually is a significant threat, since a majority of local people said
in interviews that they had hunted these cats.
and you'd be right. Andean cats live above 4000 meters, above the
tree line, in extreme cold year-round. Although it is cold, it's
considered semi-desert, as you might guess from the landscape in
the short video above.
 |
| Wildlife Conservation Network |
 |
| Photo by Jim Sanderson, ARKive |
I found a brief reference to one individual being radio-collared and
the data indicating these cats may be nocturnal, though most
sightings have been during the day. This data is being collected by
the Andean Cat Alliance, part of the Wildlife Conservation
Network.
 |
| Photo by Jim Sanderson, ARKive |
Threats to Andean cats are habitat loss and hunting. The indigenous
people of the Andes believe these cats to be sacred, and hunt them.
They use dried and stuffed specimens in religious festivals. This
actually is a significant threat, since a majority of local people said
in interviews that they had hunted these cats.
He is gorgeous. I have a hard time putting together the notion that people would think this cat to be sacred, yet they kill them? Hmm.
ReplyDeleteI answered your questions about the bear over at my blog but here are the answers just in case you can't visit. ---- That is "Tiny" in the first bear photos. He is a speciman! As for the little girl - the problem is that they change so fast when they're small that I sometimes stop being able to recognize them as they grow up. So, I hesitate to name them until they're adults.
Sows start reproducing as young as 2 years old but that's only in areas with lots and lots of good food. Around here, I have the impression that they aren't ready until they are 3 or 4. Mountain habitat isn't super calorie rich. Thanks for the questions!
beautiful cat,hard to believe the the locals hunt something that is sacred,xx Rachel
ReplyDeleteWe agree it is sad that they are hunted.
ReplyDeleteHappy Farther's day to your daddy and have a lovely serene Sunday.
Best wishes Molly
Well they certainly are very pretty. If they are so rare, I wouldn't think the people could catch very many of them... hopefully not anyways.
ReplyDeleteThey are so beautiful! How sad that they are being hunted and their numbers are so low.
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets