Kodkod

What is a "kodkod"?

The kodkod, also known as the güiña, is a small wildcat species native to South America, specifically found in the southern Andes, as well as parts of Argentina and Chile. It is one of the smallest wildcats in the world, with a slender body, short legs, and a long tail. The kodkod has a unique coat pattern, featuring a spotted and striped fur with a gray-brown background color, which provides excellent camouflage in its forest habitat. The kodkod is known for its elusive and secretive behavior, making it difficult to study in the wild. It is primarily a nocturnal and arboreal species, spending much of its time in trees hunting for prey such as rodents and birds. Despite its small size, the kodkod is a skilled and efficient hunter. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the kodkod is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, and conservation efforts are underway to protect this elusive and unique wildcat species.