ANDEAN MOUNTAIN CAT, OREAILURUS JACOBITA: MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION AND COMPARISON WITH OTHER FELINES FROM THE ALTIPLANO

Abstract Recent field surveys searching for the rare Andean mountain cat, Oreailurus jacobita, have had difficulty in identifying this species from sightings and skins. This is caused by the paucity of museum specimens (only 3 skulls available to date) and the lack of criteria to differentiate this species from other small sympatric felines (e.g., Lynchailurus pajeros). In a study to solve these problems, 3 new skulls of O. jacobita were identified and a total of 5 skulls and 41 skins examined. Skulls of O. jacobita average 12–14% larger than skulls of L. pajeros, showing a large anterior chamber in the bulla. Andean mountain cats have vertical series of yellowish-brown blotches on the sides, and a long, bushy tail with wide dark rings. Two keys to differentiate these felines, based on these and other characters, are offered.