Oncilla

The Oncilla, also known as the ‘little-spotted cat’ or ‘little tiger cat,’ is the smallest of the wild cats in South America. It has thick, soft fur ranging from brown to dark ochre, and sometimes has rosettes across its flank that are open in the center which help it blend in with the mottled sunlight of the tropical forest. The backs of its ears are black with bold ocelli (eyespots).

A solitary, nocturnal species, the Oncilla is an agile tree climber and prefers a densely forested habitat. It feeds on lizards, birds, and rodents, stalking its prey from a distance and pouncing once in range. Scientists have not studied the Oncilla’s role in the ecosystem, but it is believed this species may play a role in controlling rodent populations.

Similarly, little is known about the reproduction of this species, other than the gestation period being between 74 – 76 days and the female giving birth to 1 – 3 young.