In Córdoba, the conservation of the Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) gains key allies. This wild feline, affected by habitat loss, hunting, and roadkill, finds support in an international network: the Geoffroy’s Cat Working Group (GCWG), an alliance of over 40 specialists from six countries, formed in 2020 in Brazil.
In Argentina, Natura leads actions alongside governments and communities. “Every piece of data, every alliance counts,” stated Lucila Castro, president of Natura Argentina, which provides information about the presence of the feline and promotes conservation strategies in the Ansenuza region, where this animal plays a vital role as a predator of rodents and invasive species.
Through camera traps and citizen science, Natura collects data in the wetlands of the Dulce River and Mar Chiquita lagoon. Additionally, it promotes the Conservation Network for the Fauna of Ansenuza and specific actions such as road signage to mitigate roadkill, along with educational campaigns in schools.
Although elusive, the Geoffroy’s cat is key to environmental balance. Its survival depends on the joint work of science, education, and social commitment.
## Why is the Geoffroy’s cat so important?
The Geoffroy’s cat is a predator that helps regulate rodent populations and other species, contributing to maintaining ecological balance through the following functions:
– **Pest control:** Controls the proliferation of rodents that can damage crops and transmit diseases.
– **Indicator of environmental health:** Its presence indicates that the ecosystem is well conserved, as it is sensitive to habitat degradation.
– **Biodiversity maintenance:** Prevents the uncontrolled growth of some prey species, maintaining biological diversity.
– **Contribution to the ecosystem:** Its strong and acidic urine controls parasites and insects harmful to plantations. In fact, it is known for marking its territory with urine, feces, gland secretions, and claw marks.
– **Habitat and feeding:** The Geoffroy’s cat inhabits a wide variety of habitats, such as forests, shrublands, jungles, mountains, and savannas. It feeds mainly on small rodents like cavies and mice, and birds like Nothura.
– **Threats:** This species is hunted for its fur and is endangered in several regions.
Source: Natura Argentina.
