Andean Cat
Range
As stated in the name, its range is the Andes Mountains in the west of South America and is indicated in red (and extended by a blue line) on the map below, which is an embedded Google map created by me. The range is a refined version based on the IUCN Red List and should be up to date Update 10 Feb 2010:the additional area within the blue line is due to recent research by Jim Sanderson PhD and his team. You can refine it if you have the knowledge to do so.
View Andean Mountain Cat Range 2009 in a larger map
I have created a map of the Andean cat range using Google My Maps. The intention is to let people contribute to it. Often precise information is not available to allow a map of the range of a wildcat to be drawn accurately. If anyone has the knowledge to refine the map then please contact me by email: mjbmeister[at]gmail.com, whereupon permission will be granted. You can then go to this link: Andean Cat Range – Google My Maps and amend it – thanks. The link opens in a new window. You can see the above map in larger format and some more information about the range of this cat here: Andean Cat Range.
The Andes covers these countries: Argentina; Bolivia; Chile; Peru. The distribution of this cat is restricted to the higher areas of the Andes. The range map below is one I made earlier.
These are the heights at which this cat has been seen in the countries mentioned:
| Country – Area | Height above sea level – meters |
| Argentina | 4,236 |
| Southern Andes | 1,800 |
| Chile | 3,714 to 4,414 |
| Bolivia | 4,100 + |
| Peru | 4,000 + |
The range in Peru has been found to extend from the far south to 800 kms away in the center of Peru. The records of distribution are down to the efforts of the Andean Cat Alliance (www.gatoandino.org). Although, sightings of this scarce cat are very rare. Apparently less than 2500 cats are believed to exist.