Small wild cats in the uruguayan pampa biome: records from Valle del Lunarejo

The Pampa biome harbors a unique diversity of small wild cats, whose ecological knowledge and conservation status remain poorly documented in Uruguay. This study reports the occurrence and relative frequency of three Leopardus species, L. geoffroyi, L. wiedii, and L. munoai, within the Valle del Lunarejo Protected Landscape. From 2021 to 2023, a network of camera traps was deployed, totaling 1,877 camera-trap nights. Leopardus wiedii was the most frequently recorded species, followed by L. geoffroyi and L. munoai, the latter with a single record. These results update the known distribution of these species in northern Uruguay and reinforce the importance of Valle del Lunarejo as a priority refuge for their conservation.