Stealthy but vital: the challenge of conserving Geoffroy’s cat
This small, South American wild cat faces multiple threats, but its conservation is a collective effort. A working group is focused on deploying a network to protect its habitat and guarantee its future in the wild.
The Geoffroy’s Cat Working Group (GCWG) is a network of conservationists, researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to the survival of Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) populations and their habitats. Formed in December 2020 in Brazil, the GCWG has more than 40 members in the six countries where this fascinating species inhabits.
In Cordoba, Argentina, as in many regions, mammal populations, including Geoffroy’s cat, are facing a serious decline. In response to this worrying situation, we are tackling this challenge together and working in collaboration with the national, provincial and local governments, as well as numerous institutions, civil society organizations and the community at large.
Lucila Castro, president of Natura Argentina, tells us about the power of this network: “In the Natura Argentina team, we believe that conservation is a collective effort, and that is why we joined the work of the GCWG with enthusiasm and commitment. Our participation focuses on sharing key information on the presence of Geoffroy’s cat in the areas where we work, collaborating on strategies for its protection and strengthening knowledge networks with other organizations and specialists. We know that every piece of information, every action and every alliance counts to ensure the future of this species and its ecosystem.
An endangered feline in Córdoba
Geoffroy’s cat is a medium-sized wild cat that inhabits various regions of Argentina, including the province of Córdoba. Its population in this area is affected by habitat loss, hunting and roadkill. This feline is solitary and nocturnal, hunting mainly rodents, birds, fish, amphibians and small reptiles. It can be recognized by its ochre or gray coat with well-defined black spots, rounded ears with a slight tuft and a thick tail with dark rings. Unlike the domestic cat, its body is more robust and its legs proportionally shorter.
In the Ansenuza region, the Geoffroy’s cat inhabits the hills and grasslands near the lake, where it plays a key role in the balance of the ecosystem as a predator of small vertebrates, and regulating some rodent populations (potential agricultural and forest pests) and exotic alien species such as the rabbit and the European hare.
Seeking data, taking action
At Natura Argentina we have conducted camera trap surveys of medium and large mammals in the marshes of the Río Dulce river wetland and the Mar Chiquita Lake. We have also promoted the creation of the Ansenuza Fauna Conservation Network (RCFA), encouraging the participation of citizen science. The data collected by Natura Argentina helps us to keep baselines on mammals in this internationally important wetland up to date and to promote solutions to the pressures faced by biodiversity.
A key threat we have identified is wildlife roadkill. To address this problem, we work closely with the provincial government on mitigation strategies, such as road and trail signage and training for government workers.
These strategies are reinforced at educational institutions and regional events with environmental education programs and informative graphic materials. They can also be viewed and downloaded on our website.
In the Ansenuza wetland, different actions are developed to mitigate wildlife collisions. In addition, environmental education is promoted in schools and regional events.
Although Geoffroy’s cats are masters of stealth and rarely seen, their presence is critical to ecosystem health. The cat adapts to diverse environments, from forests to grasslands, and has even been captured by camera traps in unexpected places. Its future depends on our ability to protect its habitat and reduce threats such as hunting and roadkill. With the joint work of the GCWG and all the allied organizations, we continue to bet on a future in which this small feline continues to roam our environments and leave its mark.
Natura Argentina Team
Natura Argentina is dedicated to conserving rainforests and habitat in Latin America through bottom-up efforts led by local initiatives.
