Andean Cat
EN

Andean Cat

Leopardus jacobita

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Mountain Cat faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from livestock overgrazing and mining activities in high-altitude Andean ecosystems. Retaliatory killing by herders protecting livestock poses an additional direct threat, while climate change is altering the delicate balance of its specialized high-altitude habitat. Competition with domestic cats and dogs further pressures this already vulnerable population.

Threat summary

Habitat

Shrubland· majorGrassland· majorRocky areas· majorDesert· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryFormal educationAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Andean Cat classified as Endangered?
Andean Cat is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Mountain Cat faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from livestock overgrazing and mining activities in high-altitude Andean ecosystems. Retaliatory killing by herders protecting livestock poses an additional direct threat, while climate change is altering the delicate balance of its specialized high-altitude habitat. Competition with domestic cats and dogs further pressures this already vulnerable population.
Where does Andean Cat live?
Andean Cat occurs in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Andean Cat?
The main threats to Andean Cat are 11.1, 2.1, 2.3, and 3.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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