Taxonomic revision of the pampas catLeopardus colocolacomplex (Carnivora: Felidae): an integrative approach

Abstract

The pampas cat Leopardus colocola has been subject to conflicting classifications over the years. Currently, one polytypic species with seven subspecies is recognized, but integrative taxonomic study for this debated group has never been done. Here, we combine the broadest morphological coverage of the pampas cat to date with molecular data and ecological niche models to clarify its species composition and test the validity of recently proposed subspecies. The multiple lines of evidence derived from morphology, molecular, biogeography and climatic niche datasets converged on the recognition of five monotypic species: L. braccatus, L. colocola, L. garleppi (including thomasi, budini, steinbachi, crespoi and wolffsohni as synonyms), L. munoai and L. pajeros (including crucina as synonym). These five species are morphologically diagnosable based on skin and skull traits, have evolved in distinct climatic niche spaces and were recovered in molecular species delimitation. Contrary to previous taxonomic arrangements, we do not recognize subspecies in pampas cats. To objectively define the two most controversial species, we designate neotypes for L. colocola and L. pajeros. The diversification of pampas cats is associated with Middle Pleistocene glaciations, but additional genetic samples from the central Andean region are still needed to conclusively reconstruct its evolutionary history.

New occurrences of Hoary Fox, Lycalopex vetulus (Lund, 1842), and Pantanal Cat, Leopardus braccatus (Cope, 1889) (Mammalia, Carnivora), in a Cerrado-Caatinga-Atlantic Forest ecotone in northeastern Brazil

“…The following external diagnostic characters are observed in Figures 2C, D: brown background color; proximal part of fore and hindlimbs with transversal black stripes; entirely blackish feet; sides of the body with indistinct darker brown lines; tail brown with black tip. The phenotype matches the "Type 3A" and "Group IV" as described respectively by Garcia-Perea (1994) and Nascimento et al (2020).…”

“…As the maintenance personnel do not have experience in identifying wildlife, all records are validated by an expert to reduce the probability of misidentifications (see Abra et al 2018). To discuss the range extensions of the new occurrences reported herein, we obtained the updated distribution polygons of Lycalopex vetulus (Lemos et al 2020) and Leopardus braccatus (Nascimento et al 2020).…”

“…The Pantanal cat, Leopardus braccatus (Cope, 1889), is a poorly known small felid of approximately 3 kg (Courtenay 2002). Until recently, it was treated as a subspecies of Leopardus colocola (Molina, 1782), but molecular and morphological evidence support its status as a distinct species (Nascimento et al 2020). Leopardus braccatus (s.s.) occurs along the diagonal of open formations of South America, from the Chaco of Argentina and Paraguay to the Bolivian lowlands and the Cerrado of central and northeastern Brazil (Garcia-Perea 1994; Nascimento et al 2020).…”

Checklist of mammals from Goiás, central Brazil

“…In the Cerrado domain, Cerdocyon thous, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Speothos venaticus, Leopardus pardalis, L. emiliae, L. wiedii, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Nasua nasua, Procyon cancrivorus, Galictis cuja and Eira barbara occur in open and forested environments, covering several physiognomies Marinho-Filho et al 2002;Leuchtenberger et al 2013;Lima et al 2014). On the other hand, species such as Lontra longicaudis and Pteronura brasiliensis inhabit mainly forests (Leuchtenberger et al 2013) Marinho-Filho et al 2002;Feijó & Langguth 2013;Nascimento et al 2021). Recently, Miranda et al (2018) recorded an individual of Potos flavus roadkilled over a highway in southwest Goiás, adding a recent record for the state, and corroborating its presence for the Cerrado.…”

New Pampas cat Leopardus colocolo (Molina, 1782) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) records for the Chaco ecoregion raise questions on the distribution and population status of this felid in Argentina

“…Species identification was based on the knowledge of the authors and their familiarity with fauna across the region. The main characters that helped us and the experts identify the species as a Pampas Cat are the indistinct markings on the flanks, the transverse dark stripes in the proximal portion of the legs, the comparatively short tail, and the pointed ears, in addition to its overall appearance (Nascimento et al 2020).…”