Endangered feline spotted in Fiocruz conservation area

An endangered wild feline species is roaming the Atlantic Forest Fiocruz (FMA) campus, located in Western Rio de Janeiro. The images captured during field research show that the Pedra Branca Forest conservation area has benefited the southern tiger cat (Leopardus guttulus), which is at risk of extinction.

Images captured during field research show the wildcat in the Pedra Branca Forest conservation area (photo: Disclosure)

The species was commonly treated as a subspecies of Leopardus tigrinus until 2013 (Trigo et al. 2013a). In 2014, Leopardus guttulus was classified as vulnerable on the official lists of endangered species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Pedra Branca Forest, where Atlantic Forest Fiocruz is located, represents the largest remnant of Atlantic Forest in the city of Rio de Janeiro and the largest urban forest in the world. The site is located on the border between the urban area and the remaining Atlantic Forest.

The campus leads initiatives that seek to conserve biodiversity in the area of one of the world's most threatened biomes, through its research that contributes to the development of a healthier and more sustainable territory. The projects and actions carried out at Atlantic Forest Fiocruz contribute to the healthy and sustainable development of the region.