Skip to main content
Close

Oncilla

Leopardus tigrinus

Photo by Carolina
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

10.9861, -74.7703

Field Notes

Description:

Is a small spotted felid found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The Oncilla resembles the Margay and the Ocelot, but is smaller, with a slender build and narrower muzz.

it is classified as vulnerable. The chief threats to these felines are deforestation and poaching. They are also killed for their pelts, which are highly prized and often sold or made into clothing.

Also another factor contributing to Oncilla mortality is human expansion, settling what was once open terrain for wild cats. Coffee plantations are most often established in cloud forest habitats, causing the reduction of preferred habitats.

Notes:

This oncilla was photographed at the Barranquilla zoo.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (69)

A big cat in a small package. Perfect. Beautiful photo and spotting, Carolina. Love the info too. I loathe the thought that they're killed for their pelts. Absolutely criminal!!!
Wow, I've never heard of this animal before!!
beautiful is one of the best photos i look very lovly i put favorites
Just seen this pic - what a handsome creature. Love the detail.
Had never heard of Oncilla - superb looking feline.
She! :) (By the way, I'll e-mail you next week to see if I can make it to the reserve)
I am in love! He/she is so beautiful!
Not more confused than my attempt to say Onça pintada is jaguar in portuguese. Looks like there is an agreement (in a round-about way) :)
Jaguar is native name for the animal that portuguese called "onça" (reads on-ssa). It's the greatest feline found in Americas. This little guy is called, in Tupi (the native language of most South American original inhabitants) "jaguartirica", wich means "little jaguar". Nowadays, this name changed a little bit, and we still call it "jaguatirica". The latin name "Panthera onca" derives from brazilian name. Oncilla means "little onça", in spanish. I hope this explanation is not too confused...
Let me know if you find out! P.S. I spelt it wrong (don't have ç on my keyboard) but it is Onça pintada in Brasil that is jaguar. And kind words well deserved :)
Really?? I didn't know Jaguar was Onca in portugues, I thought it was latin because of the Panthera onca... I'm not sure about the name Oncilla, in spanish we call it Tigrillo, it name is similar to Tigre (tiger) but in like reference of a small cat, but I don't think that's where their name come from. I'm going to search about, you got me all interested. And thank you for your kind words! :)
..by the way, does oncilla come from 'small Jaguar'? I just recall that Jaguar is Onca in portuguese.. may be a bit of a leap, but I'm curious :)
Perfect portrait! Absolutely stunning..
It looks like a house cat a the skin of a cheetah absolutely beautiful!
Thank you all, she is gorgeous indeed!
one of the most elegant animals - great capture.
That's just a beautiful animal... Great picture!
looks like a common domesticated cats in the Philippines :-)
She! She's a baby girl, well was; she is probably one year now :)
Everytime I see this little guy I just sigh... He is so adorable!!
Thank you! And gracias Juan :) Acerca de la cámara utilizo una Canon Rebel XSi, pero logre esta foto fue gracias a mi Canon 100mm macro, lo amo!
muy bonita foto Carolina. Tienes talento (y probablemente una buena camara también)
stunning capture! thanks so much for sharing!!
very elegant pic , Carolina!!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon