Leopardus guigna

Known locally as the guiña in Spanish and kodkod in Mapuche and English usage, this feline holds a quiet place in regional folklore and natural heritage. Its elusive nature has inspired local legends and conservation awareness, though it is less prominent in global art or mythology than larger felids. The guiña's status as a vulnerable species has made it a symbol for forest conservation efforts in Chile and Argentina.

• The guiña is the smallest wild cat in the Americas.
• It can thrive in fragmented habitats and near human settlements, yet remains dependent on native forests.
• Its bushy, ringed tail and black-backed ears with white spots are distinctive features.
• Despite its adaptability, the guiña is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and persecution.
• Two subspecies are recognized, differing mainly in pelage coloration and spot patterns.

Leopardus guigna is found exclusively in central and southern Chile, with its range extending slightly into southwestern Argentina. Historically and currently, its distribution is tightly linked to temperate rainforests, coastal forests, and areas with dense vegetation, though it can also persist in secondary woodlands and agricultural landscapes that offer sufficient cover.

The guiña prefers temperate rainforests, coastal forests, and secondary growth woodlands. It is also found in shrublands and agricultural areas, provided there is adequate cover. Ecologically, it plays a role as a small carnivore, controlling populations of rodents, birds, and insects. Its ability to adapt to fragmented habitats and proximity to human settlements is notable, but it remains reliant on native forest patches for shelter and hunting.

The guiña is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, indicating a high risk of extinction in the wild. This status reflects ongoing declines in population due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as direct persecution. Conservation efforts prioritize habitat protection, research, and community engagement to ensure the species' survival.

Major threats to the guiña include deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and conversion of land for agriculture. Human persecution, especially retaliatory killing due to predation on domestic poultry, further endangers the species. The loss of native forest cover is particularly critical, as the guiña depends on these habitats for survival despite its adaptability to altered landscapes.

The guiña exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in fragmented habitats and even near human settlements, as long as native forest cover is present. Its secretive, nocturnal habits and agile climbing abilities help it evade predators and navigate dense vegetation. These traits, combined with its solitary lifestyle, enable the guiña to survive in environments that challenge many other wild cats.

Guiñas breed seasonally, with females giving birth to litters of 1–3 kittens after a gestation period of approximately 72–78 days. Kittens are born blind and helpless, relying on maternal care until they are weaned and able to hunt independently. The species' reproductive strategy is adapted to the rhythms of its forested environment, ensuring young are born during periods of resource abundance.

• Leopardus guigna guigna: Found in southern Chile and Argentina, this subspecies is distinguished by specific pelage coloration and spot patterns.
• Leopardus guigna tigrillo: Native to central Chile, it exhibits regional variation in coat and markings.

Both subspecies are recognized for their subtle morphological differences, but share the core traits of the species.

Genetic studies confirm the guiña's placement within the genus Leopardus, closely related to Geoffroy's cat and other South American small felids. Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analyses reveal low genetic diversity and population structure between northern and southern populations. Chromosomal data (2n=36) and DNA barcodes have been documented, though a complete genome sequence is not yet available. These insights inform conservation strategies and highlight the importance of maintaining genetic health in fragmented populations.