Chat de Geoffroy

The population density of the Geoffroy's Cat varies significantly across its geographical range (Nowell and Jackson 1996, Cuellar et al. 2006, Pereira et al. 2011, Caruso et al. 2012, Tirelli et al. 2019, Alianza del Pastizal et al. 2024). In the Bolivian Chaco, where it is the second most abundant felid after the ocelot, densities range from 0.09 to 0.40 individuals per km² (Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park; Cuéllar et al. 2006). In Brazil, the species is confined to the southernmost region of the country, where it is classified as Vulnerable, with densities reported at 0.34-0.42 individuals per km² in 2015 (Tirelli et al. 2019), dropping to 0.03-0.13 individuals per km² in 2023-2024 (Alianza del Pastizal et al. 2024). In Uruguay, Geoffroy's Cat is widespread and, in some northern and western regions, is the only wild cat species present (Bou et al. 2019, Schiaffini et al. 2023). Across Argentina, it is generally common and abundant, particularly in the Monte ecoregion, where densities can reach up to 1.90-2.20 individuals per km² in Lihué Calel National Park, including a significant number of transient individuals (Pereira et al. 2011). In the altered dry shrublands of the Argentine Espinal, density is around 0.45 individuals per km² (Caruso et al. 2012). However, the abundance seems to be lower in Patagonia (M. Lucherini person. comm. 2024), possibly of the habitat modifications caused by sheep ranching and hunting by ranchers. The species is considered rare in Chile, where it is restricted to small areas in the south and east, with densities as low as 0.07-0.12 individuals per km² in Torres del Paine National Park (W. Johnson pers. comm. in Nowell and Jackson 1996, CONAMA 2009).

The global average density for Geoffroy's Cat is 0.69 individuals/km², an estimation based on the regional studies cited above. Densities vary considerably, as indicated by the high value of standard deviation (0.86 individuals/km²). The population of mature individuals was calculated using the equation d*A*p (IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee 2024), where d represents the average population density (d = 0.69 individuals/km²), A is the area of suitable habitat (based on current polygon of species distribution, A = 3,443,787 km²), and p is the proportion of mature, actively reproductive individuals. Field and genetic data from studies on resident populations (Tirelli et al. 2018, 2023) were used to estimate that 22% of the population consists of mature individuals (p = 0.22). Thus, the global population of mature Geoffroy's Cats is estimated to be approximately 528,012 individuals.  We also did the same calculation using the lowest estimation across all ranges of species (0.03 individuals/km² from Alianza del Pastizal et al. 2024) and the number of mature individuals was 22,729, which is, for example, more than double the maximum number of mature individuals for the Vulnerable Category under Criterion C.

We currently lack information on the global population trend. However, it is important to note that the only region where population estimates have been conducted twice in the past decade is the Brazilian Pampa. Both studies were carried out within a 40 km radius. In the first estimate (2015, Tirelli et al. 2019), the population density was reported at 0.34-0.42 individuals/km², whereas in the most recent estimate (2023-2024, Alianza del Pastizal et al. 2024), the density dropped to 0.03-0.13 individuals/km². These estimates indicate a 79.1% reduction over three generations (with each generation spanning 5 years). To accurately assess population trends in the next evaluation, it is crucial to conduct density studies in areas where previous estimates were made, in the other countries inside the species distribution range.