The finding represents a range extension for the Andean cat, which normally occurs at altitudes above 3,000 meters (approximately 9,800 feet). The new survey presents evidence of the cats occurring at elevations as low as 650 meters (approximately 2,100 feet) on the Patagonian steppe. The species is listed as 鈥淓ndangered鈥� on the World Conservation Union鈥檚 Red List and may number only 2,500 individuals throughout its entire range. The study appears in the recent edition of CATNews. The authors include: Andres Novaro and Lorena Rivas of the 菊花视频 and CONICET, Argentina; Susan Walker of the 菊花视频; Rocio Palacios of Alianza Gato Andino; Sebastian di Martino of Department of Protected Areas of the Province of Neuqu茅n; Martin Monteverde of Centro de Ecolog铆a Aplicada del Neuqu茅n; Sebastian Canadell of Universidad Nacional de Cordoba; and Daniel Cossios of Universit茅 de Montr茅al. 鈥淭hese confirmed records show the lowest elevations ever reported for the Andean cat,鈥� said WCS conservationist Andres Novaro, lead author of the study. 鈥淎ccording to genetic studies underway led by Daniel Cossios, this new population appears to represent an evolutionary lineage distinct from the highland population.鈥� Prompted by a lone photograph of two Andean cats in the foothills of central Argentina, the research team surveyed approximately 31,000 square kilometers (approximately 12,000 square miles) of Argentina鈥檚 Mendoza and Neuqu茅n provinces in 2007-2009. The team collected samples from several locations that included scat, skulls, and skin, all of which were confirmed with DNA analysis. In addition, the researchers conducted surveys with inhabitants of the region. The conservationists also found evidence of three other small cat species: Geoffroy鈥檚 cat,聽 pampas cat, and jaguarundi. The Andean cat鈥檚 range extension coincides with the known distribution of the mountain vizcacha, a rabbit-like rodent that inhabits both the Andes Mountains and Patagonian steppe and is the Andean cat鈥檚 primary prey. 鈥淒iscovering a new population of Andean cats is an important finding for this elusive and rare species,鈥� said Mariana Varese, Acting Director of WCS鈥檚 Latin America and Caribbean Program. 鈥淒etermining the range of the Andean cat in the Patagonian steppe will provide conservationists with a foundation for later conservation plans.鈥� Threats to the newly discovered population of Andean cat include goat herders who assume the felines are preying on their livestock, oil exploration activities that destroy habitat, and new roads that open up formerly inaccessible areas to poachers. Critical support for this study was provided by Panthera, the Rufford Small Grants Foundation, Wildlife Conservation Network, and the Whitley Fund for Nature. WCS is grateful to the following for their partnership: the Department of Renewable Natural Resources of Mendoza and the Department of Protected Areas of Neuqu茅n provinces. WCS鈥檚 programs and activities in the region are generously supported by the Butler Conservation Fund and the Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg Foundation. Contact: Stephen Sautner (1-718-220-3682; ssautner@wcs.org) John Delaney (1-718-220-3275; jdelaney@wcs.org) The 菊花视频 saves wildlife and wild places worldwide.聽 We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo.聽 Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony.聽 WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
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