Discovery of the Clouded Tiger Cat: A New Species in Brazil's Rainforest
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Discovery | A new species of wild cat, clouded tiger cat (Leopardus pardinoides), discovered in Brazil. |
| Size | Similar to a domestic housecat. |
| Coat | Distinctive spotted coat for camouflage. |
| Unique Lineage | Confirmed as distinct from northern tiger cat and Atlantic Forest tiger cat through research. |
| Habitat | Cloud forests of southern Central American and Andean mountain ranges (Costa Rica to Argentina). |
| Threats | Deforestation, habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and disease transmission from domestic animals. |
| Conservation Status | Endangered; faces risk of extinction without urgent action. |
| Conservation Efforts | Calls for sustainable practices, increased research, and protection of threatened areas. |
| Global Significance | Amazon rainforest is the world's largest intact forest, vital for biodiversity and global ecosystem. |