World's strangest animals (Beasts): Andean cat
The Andes of South America is an incredible place, a true cradle of wildlife. Here, in the mountainous regions, unique representatives of the flora and fauna have been preserved, for example, the plants of Puia and Yareta, which extend over the earth almost millions of years ago, today can only be seen in the Andes.
Another example in the argument of the singularity of the local nature is the Andean cat, which is the rarest, the most poorly studied and the most mysterious representative of the "Baleen and Caudate" family in the Americas and throughout the world.
The Andean cat (Latin Leopardus jacobitus) is one of the miniature representatives in the genus of tiger cats (along with the cat oncilla and Geoffroy). The species is an endemic inhabitant of the Andean highlands, does not live anywhere else, and probably never lived.
Due to the inaccessibility of the natural habitat of the Andean cat, a veil of mystery and mystery hung all the time. Until the year 2000, all the meetings of a man with this wild cat could be counted on the fingers.
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In 2000, during the biological research mission in the Andes, it was possible to observe some individuals of Leopardus jacobitus, as a result of which a more or less detailed description of the species was made, some habits and lifestyles were studied, and also for the first time they managed to film the Andean predator on video.
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Interesting facts about the Andean cat:
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The Andean cat lives in extreme, in terms of the height of the cat: 3000-5000 meters above sea level. The climate in these places, to put it mildly, is rough, but the thick, long fur protects from the cold climate of a predator.
The color is usually gray-brown with large dark spots. The tail of 40-45 centimeters makes up most of the length of the body, is much fluffier and probably serves as an additional cover for the cat.
In size and proportions of the body, the Andean cats are very similar to the domestic ones: the weight is of 4 to 7 kg, the length of the body, including the tail, is 70 cm. In appearance, the similarity with Murzik made at home is also excellent, the differences are only in the longest hair Coloring and all the same tail.
The predator hunts small mammals, particularly rodents, lizards and birds. In summary, like other cats, the Andean cat is quite flexible in terms of the choice of food.
The reproduction of Andean cats is still not described in detail. Kittens can usually be seen in the mountains from April to October. This indicates that the breeding season of this species occurs approximately in November-December or July-August. The female gives birth to 1 or 2 puppies, in spring or summer.
Andean cat - very resistant, active day and night. The animal is prone to migrations and constant movements, it is very difficult to keep track and, moreover, observe regularly.
Andean cats are not kept in zoos and are not sold. The species is included in the Red Book, it is strictly protected in the territory of all countries where it is distributed.
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