6 Interesting Facts About the Andean Mountain Cat: They Can’t Be Kept in Captivity, They Die

The Andean mountain cat is native to the Andes and is listed as endangered on the Red List. The wild population is estimated to be fewer than 1,500 individuals. Indigenous Aymara and Quechua people consider it a sacred animal. We should have taken an example from them!

The Andean mountain cat holds many surprises for wildcat enthusiasts, even though it is one of the least studied and known wildcat species.

(The opening image is an illustration and does not show an Andean mountain cat, but likely a feral domestic cat.)

1.) “Rare and mysterious” are understatements

The species was first described in 1865. Most of the information we have about the Andean mountain cat is still largely based on three skull samples, 14 skin samples, and two photographs of wild animals. Nowadays, researchers often rely on local observations, which can be problematic in certain cases. Why? We explain this in the next point.

2.) Hard times

This gray, bushy cat is hunted for its fur, threatened by habitat loss and degradation, various diseases, and the decline of its primary food source. If that weren’t enough, observing it is also challenging. It closely resembles the pampas cat, making it difficult to identify and accurately estimate the population size. The most recognizable difference is that the Andean mountain cat’s nose is always very dark or black, while the pampas cat’s nose is pink or very light.

In 2021, after many years, an Andean mountain cat was captured in daylight in the wild:

3.) Loves high altitudes

You probably guessed from its habitat that it lives in higher areas, but it was surprising to learn that it can be found at altitudes of up to 4,000 meters in the southern Andes. This terrain isn’t for everyone: rocky, steep, with sparse vegetation and rough soil. The Andean mountain cat’s favorite food, the southern viscacha (a chinchilla-like rodent), also thrives in these harsh conditions in small colonies. The pampas cat’s survival also largely depends on this rodent, though to a slightly lesser extent.

Interestingly, the territories of the cougar, the pampas cat, and the Andean mountain cat overlap, so the animals often encounter each other.

4.) The moon affects its appearance

A study found that Andean mountain cats are most active on nights when the moon is not visible. The second most active periods are on full moon nights. It seems they operate on an all-or-nothing principle.

Observations suggest that its movements are very agile, navigating even at night in this extremely difficult terrain as if it poses no challenge. When hunting, its long tail (70% of its body length) stands up. It’s believed this technique helps maintain balance and allows quick movement.

5.) Relies primarily on hearing

Based on the available information, it appears that during hunting, it relies more on hearing than smell or sight. Its eardrum is much more developed than average.

6.) Free spirit

Based on the experiences so far, it is impossible to keep them in captivity. Whenever attempts have been made, unfortunately, the individuals almost immediately died. When researchers have the opportunity to observe Andean mountain cats in the wild, they seem not to fear humans at all.