The Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita) is one of the most endangered felines in the world, with fewer than 1,400 adult individuals. It inhabits the high Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, as well as parts of the Patagonian steppe. This nocturnal species requires large territories and relies heavily on rocky habitats near water, where it preys on mountain vizcachas.

It has low genetic diversity, with two distinct evolutionary populations—one in the highlands and another in the Patagonian steppe—separated by over 200,000 years of evolution. However, the genetic relationship between these populations remains largely unknown.

Conservation efforts are complicated due to the species’ distribution across four countries with differing economic, social, and cultural contexts. Because of this, innovative multinational strategies are needed to develop adaptable, community-driven conservation policies that respect local cultures while addressing environmental and ecological challenges.

The Andean Cat Alliance is a multinational and interdisciplinary network, created in 1999 by conservation professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru, to develop coordinated actions for the conservation of the species and its habitat throughout its range.

The Alliance has gained a remarkable worldwide reputation for the work it conducts in one of the harshest environments in the world, the high Andes. The renowned conservationists that power its efforts are fully committed to protect the species and its habitat while promoting a harmonious coexistence with the human communities that live in the same environment.

As part of our collaboration with the Alliance, WAW proudly produced a short-documentary for it to promote their 25th anniversary.

Discover more about their work by visiting their site and their social media.