In the Argentine province of Córdoba, an event took place that could transform our understanding of one of the region’s most elusive predators. For the first time, a jaguarundi has been released here equipped with a satellite collar, marking the end of a long journey from rescue to rewilding.
The jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) is a small member of the feline family native to South America. Much of its life remains a mystery; these solitary, primarily crepuscular animals are rarely seen by researchers. This makes data on their movements and territory use especially valuable for understanding how the species adapts to environmental changes.
This specific individual's journey began in August 2025. Environmental police discovered the tiny, orphaned kitten in the town of Villa Concepción del Tío when it was only about six weeks old. The animal was taken to the Biodiversity Park, where specialists spent a full year on its rehabilitation, carefully minimizing human contact to preserve its natural instincts.
Following its successful preparation, the jaguarundi was released in the Altos de Chipión area of the San Justo department. A satellite tracking collar was fitted prior to its release. Scientists from the Institute of Animal Diversity and Ecology (IDEA-CONICET) and the National University of Córdoba can now monitor its movements to study how the cat navigates the terrain and which habitats it prefers.
A rehabilitated capybara was also returned to its natural environment on the same day. Such joint releases demonstrate the province's systematic approach to handling rescued wildlife. Monitoring through modern technology not only tracks the fate of individual animals but also gathers crucial data for planning broader species conservation strategies.
Projects like this help reveal how successfully wild cats adapt to landscapes with an increasing human presence and identify which areas remain suitable for their survival.
