A Geoffroy's cat in an endangered species breeding centre in the US. Photo by Jan Newman, used under Creative Commons licence.
(Click on image to enlarge)

Geoffroy's Cat Oncifelis geoffroyi

The Geoffroy's cat is small (approximately 4.3 kg), solitary and predominantly nocturnal. Its coat colour varies from brilliant ochre in the northern parts of its range, to a silver grey in the south, with shades in between. The black tipped tail is about half of the head-body length and has several black rings.

Geoffroy’s cats can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay between sea level and 3,300 meters altitude. Although they prefer dense cover, they can be found amongst a wide variety of habitat types including scrubby woodland, dry forests and savannas of the Chaco. They are partially arboreal and good swimmers which readily enter water. Diet varies by location but consists mainly of small mammals, and may include some birds, hares, fish and frogs.

Geoffroy's Cat illustration from Rare Mammals of the World. © Bruce Pearson

The Geoffroy’s cat is vulnerable to population decline through habitat loss (and previously through hunting for its fur). They are fully protected across their range and are classified as near threatened by IUCN. (See the IUCN Red List for more information on the classification of the Geoffroy's Cat). However, little is known of the ecological requirements of these cats so it is still difficult to judge the full impact of these threats and the species may soon be reassigned to “Vulnerable” status with the IUCN.

Help Protect the Geoffroy's Cat and Other Wildlife

The Geoffroy's cat can be found living in the World Land Trust projects in Patagonia, Argentina — an area that has been successfully purchased and protected thanks to donations from WLT supporters. You can support the ongoing conservation work in Patagonia by supporting the Patagonia Restoration Fund.

More Information on the Geoffroy's Cat:

• Read our press release about the Geoffroy's Cat, which includes a picture of a kitten.