AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Leopardus tigrinus
Oncilla
(Schreber, 1775)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
One of the smallest and most elegant felines in the Americas, with a dense, spotted coat.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
TigrilloCaucelito
Tiger cat
Gato-do-mato-pequenoTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carnivora
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Felidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Leopardus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Schreber, 1775)
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Mainly inhabits montane forests, tropical rainforests, and scrublands.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a nocturnal and solitary animal, very elusive and difficult to observe in the wild.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary except during breeding season; individuals avoid contact with each other.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Feeds on small rodents, birds, lizards, and large insects.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Controller of small vertebrate populations in fragile mountain ecosystems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Gestation lasts about 75 days; litters are usually just one cub.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
40.0 - 55.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.50 kg - 3.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
18 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
74 - 78
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 14 Years
Females10 - 14 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its small size allows it to move with agility through dense vegetation.
Paws with soft pads that allow almost silent movement for hunting.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Conversion of forests into coffee plantations and pastures.
Illegal hunting for its fur and conflicts with humans due to predation on poultry.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Often confused with the margay, but the oncilla is smaller and less arboreal.
They are excellent jumpers, capable of catching birds in mid-air from the ground.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
