Home range size and habitat selection of Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi, Felidae, Carnivora) in the Pampas grassland

MANFREDI C.; LUENGOS VIDAL E.; CASTILLO D.; LUCHERINI M.; CASANAVE E. B.

MAMMALIA

WALTER DE GRUYTER & CO

Año: 2012 vol. 76 p. 105 - 108

0025-1461

This study examined the spatial ecology of Geoffroy’s cats, Leopardus geoffroyi, living in a protected area surrounded by croplands in the Argentine grasslands. A total of 6 different adults were marked with 14 radio-collars from 2001 to 2005, but only 3 (1 female and 2 males) produced a meaningful amount of data (54-135 positions). Total home range size was 8.83 ± 1.58 km2 (100% Minimum Convex Polygon) and 7.27 ± 2.23 km2 (90% Fixed Kernel). Core areas averaged 1.46 ± 0.84 km2. Geoffroy’s cats most frequently used Exotic Woodland areas followed by Rocky and Agricultural areas. In our study area, Geoffroy’s cat home ranges were larger than all those previously recorded in natural areas. We also argue that woodlands can play an important role in the ecology of this species, either as refuge, hunting area or for territorial marking, regardless their origin.