Felis Tigrina is a Latin term used to describe an endangered wild cat species known as the oncilla. The spelling of the term is straightforward, with the first word pronounced as /ˈfiːlɪs/ and the second word pronounced as /taɪˈɡriːnə/. The first part of the term, "Felis", refers to the cat family, while "Tigrina" comes from the Latin root word tigris, which means tiger, given the species’ similar physical appearance to the big cat. Despite the easy-to-spell nature of this term, it is essential to correctly classify and protect endangered animal species like the oncilla.
Felis tigrina, commonly known as the oncilla or little spotted cat, is a small wild cat species belonging to the Felidae family. It exhibits a slender and agile build, with a short tail and a distinctive spotted coat pattern. The species is native to various regions of South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, where it inhabits a diverse range of habitats such as tropical forests, grasslands, and even high-altitude mountain areas.
The oncilla, or Felis tigrina, measures between 18 and 33 inches in length, including the tail, and typically weighs between 6.6 and 13.2 pounds. It possesses sharp retractable claws, allowing for excellent climbing and hunting abilities. The coat is characterized by small rosette-like spots, ranging in color from yellowish-brown to grayish-brown, providing effective camouflage within its natural environment. Other notable physical features include large, round ears and distinct facial markings with black lines around the eyes.
Being a nocturnal and solitary creature, the oncilla feeds on a varied diet consisting mainly of small rodents, birds, reptiles, and occasionally insects. The species is known for its exceptional hunting skills and ability to ascend trees effortlessly. Conservation efforts are in place since the oncilla population, particularly in regions of deforestation and habitat loss, is experiencing a decline. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies Felis tigrina as a vulnerable species, highlighting the urgent need for preservation and protection of its remaining habitats.
The word "Felis tigrina" is the scientific name for a wild cat species known commonly as the oncilla or the little spotted cat.
The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. "Felis": This is the Latin word for "cat". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "pu̯óri" meaning "small animal". This Latin term is used as the genus name for various wild cat species.
2. "Tigrina": This word is derived from the Latin word "tigrinus", which means "tiger-like" or "relating to a tiger". It is derived from the word "tigris", the Latin term for "tiger". The use of "tigrina" in the scientific name suggests that the oncilla has some tiger-like characteristics or appearance, such as the spotted coat pattern.