The Guiña

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Subfamily: Felinae
Genus: Leopardus
Species: Leopardus guigna

Güiña Conservation Status: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/15311/0

 

 

The Güiña (also known as the Kodkod) one of the smallest in the world: 2-2.5 kg (4-5 lb) and 20-25 cm (15-20 in). It also has the smallest distribution- living primarily in central and southern Chile and a small area in nearby Argentina.

The Guiña looks similar to its close relative the Geoffroy’s Cat, but the Guiña has a smaller face with darker eye stripes, a bushier tail, and is slightly smaller. It can be melanistic too (all black). The Güiña is a forest dweller and is arboreal (spends a lot of time in trees). It may find prey in the trees too although it is primarily a terrestrial hunter. This tiny wild cat survives off small forest creatures such as rodents, birds, and reptiles. They live up to 14 years.

 

 

More wild cats here