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Garcia-Perea, R.; Nowell, K.
How to differentiate Oreailurus jacobitus from Lynchailurus species
1998 Full Book
The Andean mountain cat, Oreai/urus jacobitus, is one of the least well known felids. Available information on the external appearance and skull characteristics of this species is scarce and scattered among the literature. Andean mountain cats seem to live close to marginal populations of Pampas cats, around the altiplano. Live specimens of these two species are difficult to differentiate in the field, due to the similarity in coat pattern. On the other hand, skulls and skin remains of both species are difficult to identify because museum specimens of Oreai/urus jacobitus are unavailable for comparative purposes, and because of the absence of morphological keys published. In this proposal, a study with the following aims is planned: 1) to characterize the external and skull morphology of the Andean mountain cat, and 2) to elaborate a morphological key for differentiation of individuals of Andean mountain cat and Pampas cat. In order to reach these goals, a trip to visit several key museums in South America is planned.
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