Gato andino (Leopardus jacobita, CORNALIA 1865) en carretera: nueva amenaza para su conservación

Melanie Kaiser; Julio Hernández-Hernández; Byron Cristian Guzmán Marín

doi:10.30550/j.azl/2022.66.1/2022-04-27

Authors

Melanie Kaiser Fundación Coordinación de Felinos Silvestres https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8592-926X
Julio Hernández-Hernández Fundación Coordinación de Felinos Silvestres https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1286-2404
Byron Cristian Guzmán Marín Fundación Coordinación de Felinos Silvestres https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7051-1154

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30550/j.azl/2022.66.1/2022-04-27

Keywords:

roadkill, felid, citizen science

Abstract

The Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita, CORNALIA 1865), an inhabitant of the arid regions of the high Andes and the Patagonian steppe, is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Among the main threats faced by the species are the degradation and fragmentation of its habitat, which are mostly related to mining activities. It has also been hunted, but direct interaction with humans has long since been infrequent due to the vast distance between the felid's habitat and centers of anthropogenic activity. However, the continued expansion of the road network together with the ongoing increase of traffic throughout the distribution range of L. jacobita has prompted encounters with the species on roadways. In the present note, we report for the first time observations of Andean cats crossing highways and other roads, which implies an imminent danger of roadkill. The records were collected in the context of a citizen science project and supplemented by a state agency report. Given its fragile conservation status and the low population density of the Andean cat, the death of a few animals may have disproportionately adverse effects on the species. Therefore, it is recommended that roadkill prevention strategies be developed as part of conservation plans for L. jacobita.

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References

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