Scientists have found that if that fur is removed, the lynxes have a more difficult time locating prey. Those tufts of fur are extra sensitive to sound waves, helping the cat pinpoint the location of a scurrying rodent. In South America, small cats are found in almost every habitat. The rusty-spotted cat is only 20 inches long, and half of that is tail. The oncilla, also called the tigrina, is a small cat found in Central and South America.
Scientists fear that the numbers of most small cats are declining for two reasons.
First is the fur trade. Since the penalties for hunting big cats have increased, people have begun hunting the small spotted cats for their fur. Coats made from cat fur are still popular in parts of Europe and Asia. Since small cats have smaller skins, as many as 25 cats must be killed to make one fur coat. Like their larger cousins, small cats can be helped if people stop wearing their fur.