North American kodkod (SciiFii)

The North American kodkod (Leopardus alloguigna) is a species of wild cat that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and cool/cold hilly environments across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American kodkod is the South American kodkod (Leopardus guigna). The North American kodkod's fur color ranges from brownish-yellow to grey-brown. It has dark spots, a pale underside and a ringed tail. The ears are black with a white spot, while the dark spots on the shoulders and neck almost merge to form a series of dotted streaks. Melanistic North American kodkods with spotted black coats are quite common. It has a small head, large feet, and a thick tail. Adult North American kodkods are 37 to 51 centimeters (15 to 20 inches) in head to body length with a short 20–25 centimeter (7.9–9.8 inch) tail and a shoulder height of about 25 centimeters (9.8 inches), making it one of the smallest felid species native to the Americas. Weight ranges between 2 and 2.5 kilograms (4.4 and 5.5 lb). North American kodkods are equally active during the day and during the night, although they only venture into open terrain under the cover of darkness. During the day, they rest in dense vegetation in ravines, along streams with heavy cover, and in piles of dead gorse. They are excellent climbers, and easily able to climb trees more than a meter in diameter. They are terrestrial predators of birds, lizards and rodents in the ravines and forested areas, feeding primarily on plovers, seabirds, songbirds, rails, waterfowls, and gamebirds. The gestation period lasts about 72–78 days. The average litter size is one to three kittens. This species may live to be about 11 years old in the wild, but can live to be almost 20 years in captivity. The conservation status of the North American kodkod is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the North American kodod's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii