The Chilean researchers captured footage of the Patagonian kodkod, but not just any kodkod—a rare black variant that owes its color to a genetic quirk. CNN reported the discovery, underscoring how uncommon this flame-dark coat is among wild cats in the region.
The Patagonian kodkod, also known as guinha, prowls the rugged lands of Patagonia, a vast frontier shared by Chile and Argentina. Typically, these small felines wear a grayish-brown coat sprinkled with black spots and a ringed tail that echoes their shy nature. A minority, however, are born with a solid black hue because a single critical gene letter is lost from the DNA sequence. This genetic twist ramps up the production of pheomelanin, the pigment responsible for dark fur in cats, giving these individuals their striking appearance.
The team tracking this mutation followed the usual signs of a secretive population known for avoiding easy observation. The black cat emerged in the researchers’ path as it moved along a corridor of forest and open terrain. For several minutes the animal paused to observe the humans, displaying a curious and unafraid demeanor that surprised the observers. Encounters like this are exceptionally rare, given the kodkod’s elusive habits and the fragile state of its habitat. Habitat destruction, particularly of temperate rainforests, has pushed these cats toward the edge of their historical range, and current estimates place their population around ten thousand individuals. This makes sightings and study opportunities both valuable and delicate, demanding careful, unobtrusive fieldwork and ongoing conservation attention.