Kodkod or Guigna
Misc.: Description and behaviour: The kodkod or guigna (pronounced gwee-nya) is the smallest of the felids in the Americas and weighs 2.2 kg. It is a brownish coloured cat with a heavily spotted coat. It is very similar to the Geoffroy Cat in appearance and some even believe it to be a subspecies. It does have a fuller tail and smaller face than the Geoffroy and like the Geoffroy can be either spotted or melanistic.
Habitat and Distribution: It is native to only Argentina and Chile and has well developed arboreal abilities.
Longevity: up to 11 years.
Protection Status: CITES Appendix II. Fully protected in Argentina and Chile although it is estimated that up to 20 cats per day are killed in these countries by farmers protecting their chickens.
Felid TAG recommendation: Kodkod (Oncifelis guigna). Another little known cat from Chile (primarily), the kodkod has only been maintained by range-country zoos. The TAG does not support efforts to import specimens to North America, even if available.
Photo at right by Dr. Gerardo
Acosta J.
Voice talent by Bonnie-Jean Creais 2006 |
Common Name: Kodkod or Guigna 
Litter Size: 3 or four kittens.
For
the ultimate information on the Guigna ask 
Jim Sanderson, Ph.D.