Distribution and habitat use patterns of the endangered Central American clouded oncilla (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) in Costa Rica

Central American clouded oncillas (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) primarily inhabit high-elevation, dense cloud forests near permanent water sources, likely due to the abundance of prey and favorable structural conditions. A study using camera traps and occupancy modeling in Costa Rica's Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves identified environmental factors—such as tree density and proximity to water—as key drivers of their habitat selection. Spatial predictions highlighted two critical conservation areas: the Caribbean slope of the Talamanca Mountains and the Arenal-Monteverde forest complex, where threat mitigation and monitoring are urgently needed. The research underscores the species' vulnerability to climate change and mesopredator pressure, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.

Ramírez-Fernández, J. D., Fox-Rosales, L. A., Mooring, M. S., Delgado-Carazo, J. C., Blankenship, S. R., Powell, J. R., Méndez, Y., Acevedo-Loría, A., Brenes-Mora, E., Sanderson, J. G., & de Oliveira, T. G. (2024). Distribution and habitat use patterns of the endangered Central American clouded oncilla (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) in Costa Rica. Plos One, 19(9), e0310562. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310562