Camera trapping reveals the reddish phenotype of jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) on the western border of Brazilian Pantanal

Abstract

The jaguarundi is one the least studied felids in South America. With its three main forms (brownish-black, grey and reddish), the species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but is Vulnerable in Brazil. The grey form is the most common, and has been recorded at several sites within the Pantanal biome, but not the reddish form so far. In this study we report the reddish phenotype for the first time in the biome. Records were obtained from November 2022 through camera traps in Acurizal Reserve. Reports like this are important to understand the evolutionary processes affecting the species over time.