Molecular data reveal complex hybridization and a cryptic species of Neotropical cat

This study used genetic data to investigate the small spotted cats of South America and uncovered a cryptic species hidden within what was called the oncilla or tigrina. The authors found that northeastern and southern populations of these tiger cats are deeply divergent and do not interbreed where they meet, supporting recognition of a separate southern species, Leopardus guttulus, distinct from the northern Leopardus tigrinus. They also detected extensive hybridization between the southern tigrina and Geoffroy's cat, and signs of past gene flow with the pampas cat. The work revealed unexpected complexity in the Leopardus radiation and exemplifies how molecular tools detect cryptic species and reticulate evolution among small Neotropical felids that look superficially similar but represent distinct evolutionary lineages.