Natural history and landscape-use of guignas (Oncifelis guigna) on Isla Grande de Chiloé, Chile

Abstract

We studied the natural history and landscape-use patterns of the guigna, Oncifelis guigna, a small forest cat, on Isla Grande de Chiloé, Chile. We put radiocollars on 7 adult (5 males, 2 females) guignas to assess factors that affect persistence in a highly fragmented, human-dominated landscape and a contiguous forest with fewer human impacts. Conservation of guignas outside protected areas requires forested areas connected by corridors, containing free-ranging domestic fowl, and dispelling local myths that guignas are vampires.