Report on roadkill of pampas cat (Leopardus garleppi) in southern Peru

Pacheco-Curie I.; Machaca-Sillo J.; Gómez-Puerta L.; Luque-Machaca A. · Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru (2025) · DOI: 10.15381/rivep.v36i5.31745

Resumen

Small wild cats require large geographic territories to meet their ecological needs. However, in areas with road networks, they may be forced to cross, exposing them to potential vehicle collisions. The collision of two pampa cats (Leopardus garleppi) in the Cusco area, Peru, is described. These were found on the highway connecting Juliaca with Cusco (Route Code: P-3S) in July 2022. Molecular analysis of an individual was able to confirm the species. The bodies were found 158.4 m apart, in a landscape matrix that included five land uses (within a 1-km radius): roads, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) forest plantations, agricultural areas, populated areas, and bare ground. Although the factors associated with these events are unknown, these findings show the negative effect that road networks could have on the mobility and survival of these small wild cats.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional del Altiplano