Wild Cats In South America To Know

South America is home to some of the most fascinating and elusive wild cats in the world. From the powerful jaguar to the tiny kodkod, these cats play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. As a wildlife artist and constant traveler, I've spent time researching these animals to better understand their behavior, habitats, and conservation status.

Key Points

• South America has 10 native wild cat species, including jaguars, ocelots, and the rare Andean mountain cat.
• The Pantanal and the Amazon rainforest are among the best places to see them in the wild.
• Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and eco-tourism initiatives.

Wild Cats in South America

South America is home to a diverse range of wild cat species, each adapted to unique habitats. These include rainforests, grasslands, mountains, and arid regions.

Jaguars (Panthera onca)

Jaguars are the largest wild cats in South America and are often confused with leopards. Unlike leopards, jaguars have stockier builds and more powerful jaws. They are apex predators, capable of taking down large prey such as capybaras, caimans, and even anacondas. Jaguars are primarily found in the Amazon and Pantanal, where they play a critical role in maintaining the ecosystem. Read more about jaguar spots and how they compare to leopards in this guide.

Pumas (Puma concolor)

Also known as mountain lions or cougars, pumas are highly adaptable and have the largest range of any wild cat species in the Americas. They thrive in forests, mountains, and grasslands across South America. Unlike jaguars, pumas rely on stealth and agility to hunt deer, rodents, and birds. Despite their large size, they are not considered true big cats as they lack the ability to roar.

Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)

These medium-sized wild cats have striking rosette patterns similar to jaguars but are much smaller. Ocelots are highly adaptable and are found in tropical forests, mangroves, and savannas. They are solitary, nocturnal hunters that prey on small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Due to habitat destruction, they face increasing threats despite their relatively stable population.

Margays (Leopardus wiedii)

Margays are smaller than ocelots and have an extraordinary ability to live in trees. They are one of the few cats capable of rotating their hind feet 180 degrees, allowing them to climb down trees headfirst. Margays primarily hunt birds, monkeys, and rodents and are strictly nocturnal.

Andean Mountain Cats (Leopardus jacobita)

One of the rarest wild cats in the world, the Andean mountain cat is found in the high-altitude regions of the Andes. It is adapted to harsh, cold environments and preys on mountain chinchillas and other small mammals. Due to its low population density and secretive nature, little is known about this elusive species.

Geoffroy’s Cats (Leopardus geoffroyi)

Found in the grasslands and scrub forests of southern South America, Geoffroy’s cats are small, spotted wild cats that are highly territorial. They are nocturnal hunters, feeding on rodents, birds, and reptiles.

Jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)

Jaguarundis are unique wild cats with a solid-colored coat, ranging from black to reddish-brown. Unlike other wild cats, they are more active during the day. They inhabit a variety of environments, from forests to savannas, and are excellent swimmers.

Pampas Cats (Leopardus colocola)

Pampas cats have a wide range of coat patterns, depending on the region. Some have thick, spotted fur while others have more uniform coats. They inhabit grasslands and shrublands across South America, preying on rodents, birds, and insects.

Oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus)

Also known as the little spotted cat, oncillas are elusive and closely resemble ocelots and margays. They primarily inhabit dense rainforests and are excellent climbers, preying on birds, small mammals, and reptiles.

Kodkods (Leopardus guigna)

The smallest wild cat in the Americas, the kodkod is native to Chile and parts of Argentina. It is a nocturnal and highly elusive species that prefers dense forests. Despite its small size, the kodkod is a skilled predator, hunting birds, rodents, and insects.

Explore more wild cat species in this guide.

How to See South American Wild Cats in the Wild

If you want to see these cats in their natural habitat, you’ll need patience, the right location, and often the guidance of experienced trackers or conservation experts. Many of these species are elusive, and their sightings require dedicated time in the field. Wildlife tours specializing in big cats offer some of the best chances to observe them in action while supporting conservation efforts.

Best Places to See Wild Cats in South America

Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal is considered the best place in the world to see jaguars in the wild. This vast wetland region offers boat safaris along rivers where jaguars are often spotted resting on riverbanks or hunting capybaras and caimans. The dry season (June to October) provides optimal viewing opportunities. Read more about jaguars in the Pantanal.

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon is home to jaguars, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis, but dense vegetation and their secretive nature make sightings rare. Areas like the Tambopata Reserve in Peru and the Yasuni National Park in Ecuador offer the best chances, with camera traps and night safaris increasing opportunities for glimpses.

Torres del Paine, Chile

One of the most reliable places to see pumas in the wild. The open landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia allow visitors to spot pumas hunting guanacos or moving through rocky terrain, especially during dawn and dusk.

Ecuadorian Cloud Forests

These dense, mist-covered forests provide habitat for smaller cats like ocelots, margays, and oncillas. The Mashpi Reserve and Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge offer eco-tours where visitors might catch a glimpse of these nocturnal predators on night walks or with camera trap footage.

Los Llanos, Venezuela and Colombia

This vast tropical grassland region is another promising location for wild cat sightings. Jaguars, ocelots, and jaguarundis are present, and local ranches and lodges offer guided tours focused on finding these elusive felines.

Eco-Tours and Lodges for Wild Cat Spotting

Wildlife lodges and specialized tours enhance your chances of seeing wild cats while contributing to conservation efforts. Here are some of the best options:

• SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (Brazil) – Specializes in jaguar safaris, with guided boat tours along the Cuiabá River.
• Tambopata Research Center (Peru) – A good option for ocelot sightings, located deep in the Amazon.
• Torres del Paine EcoCamp (Chile) – Offers guided puma tracking expeditions with experienced naturalists.
• Cuyabeno Lodge (Ecuador) – Located in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, increasing chances of spotting ocelots and margays.
• Hato El Cedral (Venezuela) – A large private reserve in Los Llanos with strong wildlife conservation efforts, including jaguar monitoring programs.

More on big cats in the region: Big Cats in Costa Rica.

Conservation Organizations Protecting Wild Cats

Several nonprofits work to protect South America’s wild cats through habitat conservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and research.

• Panthera – Runs the Jaguar Corridor Initiative, which aims to protect jaguar habitats across Latin America.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) – Works on puma conservation in Patagonia.
• Fundación Yaguareté – Focuses on jaguar conservation in Argentina.
• Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation – Dedicated to conserving lesser-known species like the Andean mountain cat and margay.

Learn more about wild cats and their habitats in Cats in the Wild.