oncillas

Oncillas are a small group of neotropical wild cats native to Central and South America. They are among the smallest members of the New World felids and are typically described as solitary and elusive. Taxonomic placement has varied; the two commonly recognized species are the northern oncilla (Oncilla guttulata) and the southern oncilla (Oncilla tigrina), though some classifications place these cats within the Leopardus group, reflecting ongoing taxonomic debates.

Physically, oncillas are compact cats with short fur that ranges from pale gray to golden-brown and is marked with dark spots or rosettes. They are small compared with other wild cats, with body lengths generally in the range of a few tens of centimeters and tails that are proportionally short to medium. Their coat patterns and size aid camouflage in dense vegetation.

Habitat and behavior vary across their range but typically include tropical and subtropical forests, dense scrub, and second-growth habitats, sometimes extending into plantations and farmlands. Oncillas are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular and are adept climbers, though they also spend time on the forest floor. They are territorial and largely solitary, communicating through scent markings and vocalizations.

Diet consists mainly of small vertebrates and invertebrates, including rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. They hunt by stalking and ambushing from cover, using their sharp senses to locate prey.

Reproduction details are regionally variable, but most information indicates a low to moderate reproductive rate with litters of 1–3 kittens after a gestation period of several weeks. Threats to oncillas include habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation due to deforestation and agricultural expansion; some populations persist in protected areas, and the species is listed under international trade controls (CITES Appendix II).