"Every discovery is great news": Rare Andean cat photographed in Argentina for third consecutive year, highlighting the real value of camera traps
Motion-activated cameras were used to document the elusive Andean cat near Argentina’s La Payunia Protected Natural Area
The elusive Andean Mountain Cat has been spotted in Argentina for the third consecutive year, providing a glimmer of hope for conservationists. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Argentina captured footage of the rare animal using trail cameras, underscoring the importance of this technology in conserving the most endangered cat species in the Andes.
The Andean cat, with its ash-gray fur and brownish-orange spots, is well-camouflaged against the rocky terrain. However, the species faces threats from hunting, habitat loss, and a decline in prey. According to WCS Argentina, there are around 2,100 mature individuals of the Andean cat across South America. The latest sighting, recorded in January 2026 in the La Payunia Protected Natural Area of Mendoza Province, marks the first time the cat has been spotted in this area.
Dr. María José Bolgeri, WCS Argentina's regenerative management manager, emphasized that every discovery is a significant achievement, confirming the presence of the Andean cat in the region and the success of conservation efforts. Biologist Juan Reppucci noted that the sighting was confirmed by a local farmer who provided "remarkable precision" in describing the cat's encounter.
While the sightings over the past three years do not indicate whether the local population is growing or shrinking, they highlight the need for continued camera trap monitoring to better understand the species' distribution and the challenges of studying such elusive creatures.
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