Is the elusive oncilla one species or five distinct wild cats?

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The oncilla, a small spotted cat native to South America, is currently undergoing a taxonomic revolution. Once considered a single species, recent genetic and morphological studies suggest the oncilla may actually be a complex of up to five distinct species, challenging our understanding of these rare, forest-dwelling predators.

The oncilla, or Leopardus tigrinus, is a small, slender wild cat characterized by its thick, soft fur and dark rosettes that provide camouflage in the tropical forest understory. Despite its resemblance to the larger ocelot and margay, the oncilla is one of South America's smallest wild cats, weighing between 1.5 and 3 kilograms. Primarily terrestrial but an adept climber, this obligate carnivore hunts a variety of prey, ranging from rodents and birds to invertebrates.

Taxonomic classification of the oncilla has become increasingly complex. While traditionally recognized as a single species with several subspecies, genetic research has fundamentally shifted this view. In 2013, researchers proposed that the southern tiger cat (L. guttulus) was a separate, non-interbreeding species. By 2024, arguments were made to recognize the clouded tiger cat (L. pardinoides) as a third species. A 2026 genetic analysis further expanded this, suggesting the complex comprises five species, including the newly described tilcayo (L. tilcayo) and the eastern-ranging L. emiliae.

These findings are supported by morphological analyses of hundreds of skin and skull samples, which indicate distinct groupings across northern, eastern, and southern ranges. Beyond classification, the oncilla faces significant survival challenges. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the species is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, particularly in cloud forests. Furthermore, they have historically been heavily hunted for their prized pelts. While international trade is prohibited under CITES Appendix I, hunting remains legal in countries like Ecuador, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Peru. The extent to which natural hybridization with other cats, such as the Pampas cat, impacts these populations remains an open question for conservationists.

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