Small Wild Cats of Uruguay

Discover the three remarkable wild cat species that inhabit Uruguay’s landscapes, each playing a vital role in our ecosystem.

Uruguayan grassland specialist

Pampas cat

Leopardus munoai

CR Critically Endangered
Modern illustration of a Pampas cat standing in profile

A rare small cat closely tied to the natural grasslands of the Uruguayan Savanna.

The Pampas cat inhabits natural grasslands, tall prairies, and marsh edges in Uruguay, southern Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, and northeastern Argentina. Its long brownish-gray fur has very few spots, with dark bands on the legs and a black-tipped tail.

At a glance

Body length
50–70 cm
Weight
3–7 kg
Habitat
Natural grasslands, tall prairies, and marsh edges
Activity
Mostly nocturnal or crepuscular
Also known as
Gato de pajonal, Gato de muñoa
Distribution
Pampas cat rangeMap showing the Pampas cat range in southeastern South America

2 field observations

Pampas cat gallery

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Built for life in the trees

Margay

Leopardus wiedii

NT Near Threatened
Modern illustration of a Margay standing in profile

Large eyes and an exceptionally long tail reveal a cat adapted to moving through dense forest.

The Margay has a yellowish coat with dark-edged rosettes and brown centers arranged along its back and sides. Dense vegetation and sufficient tree cover are essential parts of the varied ecosystems it occupies.

At a glance

Body length
40–60 cm
Weight
2–3 kg
Habitat
Dense vegetation with sufficient tree cover
Activity
Primarily nocturnal
Also known as
Yaguatirica, Gato pintado
Distribution
Margay rangeMap showing the Margay range across Central and South America

12 field observations

Margay gallery

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Uruguay’s adaptable spotted cat

Geoffroy's Cat

Leopardus geoffroyi

LC Least Concern
Modern illustration of a Geoffroy’s cat standing in profile

An adaptable hunter recognized by its spotted coat, ringed tail, and distinctive facial markings.

Geoffroy’s cat has a yellowish-to-gray coat covered with small black spots, parallel markings on the head and nape, and incomplete rings around the tail. It uses both wooded areas and grasslands and is mainly active around dusk and at night.

At a glance

Body length
Approximately 60 cm
Weight
Usually 4–5 kg; up to 8 kg
Habitat
Wooded areas and grasslands
Activity
Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal
Also known as
Gato montés
Distribution
Geoffroy's Cat rangeMap showing the Geoffroy’s cat range in southern South America

8 field observations

Geoffroy's Cat gallery

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