The Oncilla, or Leopardus Tigrinus is a small species of wildcat that is considered vulnerable. It lives in dense forested areas, those very same areas that are being clearcut all over the Amazon for slash and burn farming, but they are spread out in a number of countries, including Costa Rica, which treasures them. It goes by many names, including “Little Spotted Cat”, Tigrillo, Gato Atigrado, and Gato Tigre.
The Oncilla has a beautiful coat, and unfortunately, they are still being killed for them. Unlike the Kodkod, they are able to adapt to living around coffee plantations, this might keep them from perishing completely. At maturity, they have huge golden eyes, and some of them are born black, like the panther. This little cat is smaller than a housecat, but is not the smallest cat of all; the Rusty Spotted Cat takes that title.
This is a rare cat. Only 15 are living in zoos around the world. I’d sure love to see one!
This little painting is postcard sized, 3.5″ x 5.5″ and it is SOLD!
All proceeds to the sale of this painting go to the Felidae Conservation Fund I will not make a dime on any wildcat painting I have done, the sales will go directly towards wildcat conservation and study.
7 responses to “Oncilla baby”
amazingly cute kitten. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one before.
OMG, I SQUEE-ed when I saw this! How super-cute is that! New follower and definitely sticking around! 🙂
J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger
I adore coming over here to see your beautiful paintings of wildcats! I wish they weren’t so rare.
xoxo Lloralye @ Adorning Schemes A to Z
God, how cute! And what a wonderful job with the painting!!
Look forward to the rest of your challenge run…can’t believe we’ve had 16 days already!
–Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Killed for their coats! ARGH!!!!! Our world is so upside down sometimes! 🙂
Awww, so cute!!!!
I’m stopping by from the A to Z Challenge!
Giggle, Laugh, Cry
I’m really enjoying tbis ‘so many cats, so little time’ tour of the world. It’s a good thing to awaken people to the plight of creatures in the world around us. And to do it with your talent for watercolour is a double bonus.
Thank you.