Under the starry night of the Patagonian steppe, a stealthy movement among the grasses marked the beginning of a milestone in wildlife research. After four years of attempts, the team at Parque Patagonia managed to capture “Odisea,” the first female pampas cat to wear a GPS collar. This breakthrough marked the start of an unprecedented record for the species, which includes four other monitored individuals.
This medium-sized feline with dense fur presents grayish and yellowish tones in Patagonia, with spots that blend into its natural environment. Its short tail and agile body allow it to move freely through grasslands, shrubby steppes, and wetlands, where it plays a key role in controlling populations of small rodents.
The confirmation of its presence in the conservation area raised new questions about its habits and territories. To answer them, GPS collars were incorporated to record the location of each individual every three hours. This way, a detailed map of their routes and usage areas is drawn, something never before documented in the region.
The capture process was arduous and required perfecting techniques over years. Odisea was the pioneer, and following her case, “Moflete,” “Diego,” “Baldo,” and “Sphynx” were added. Campaigns are carried out over one or two months, at night and twilight hours, when the species is most active.
Odisea, the female pampas cat, appeared after four years. Photo: Agencia El Rompehielos.
Revealing Data and a Strong Link with Water
The initial records showed a clear pattern: pampas cats depend on the presence of water even in the middle of the arid steppe. Their routes include springs, meadows, and wetlands, as well as areas of shrubs and rocky formations on plateaus and ravines. In open areas, their appearances are less frequent and usually correspond to movements between shelters.
The concentration of prey, such as cavies, more sensitive to the lack of water, could explain their affinity for these ecosystems. The study also revealed their surprising movement capacity. One of the monitored individuals travels over 30 kilometers between the extremes of its territory, far exceeding what was believed possible for this species.
To expand the research, the team continues to locate new individuals using camera traps and identifying transit routes. This monitoring aims to optimize captures and add data that strengthen conservation strategies.
Odisea, the female pampas cat, appeared after four years. Photo: Agencia El Rompehielos.
The Importance of the Pampas Cat for the Ecosystem
The ultimate goal is to generate foundational information that demonstrates the ecological importance of the pampas cat and guides measures for its protection. Understanding their habits, their relationship with water, and their movement areas is essential to ensure their survival in a changing environment threatened by human activity.
On the cold nights of the south, fieldwork continues. Each new record is a step towards a profound understanding of a feline that, until recently, was almost a ghost of the steppe. Now, thanks to science and persistence, its story begins to be written with clear and precise strokes.
