As little is known about this cat, it is difficult to know what threats they face, but their numbers have suffered at the hands of the fur trade.

Subspecies
L.t.guttula, L.t.oncilla, L.t.pardinoides, L.t.tigrinus.

Life span
Little spotted cats live for an average of 11 years, and up to 17 years.

Statistics
Body length: 40-55cm, Tail length: 25-40cm, Shoulder height: unknown, Weight: 1.5-3kg. Males are slightly larger than females.

Physical description
Little spotted cats have a yellowish-red to greyish-yellow coat with rows of large, dark rosettes and a pale underside which is less spotted than the rest of the body. The tail has black rings and a black tip. Totally black forms of this cat can occur. They are slender-bodied with a slim head and round ears.

Distribution
Little spotted cats inhabit South America from Costa Rica to North Argentina.

Habitat
They live in forest habitats and have a strong preference for higher altitudes.

Diet
Little spotted cats hunt small mammals, birds and lizards.

Behaviour
They are active at twilight (crepuscular) and night (nocturnal). Much of their other habits are largely unknown but they are said to be good swimmers.

Reproduction
After a gestation period of about 75 days, females give birth to 1-3 (usually 1) kittens. They weigh about 60g at birth and are slow to develop.

Conservation status
Little spotted cats are listed as Lower Risk by the IUCN and are on CITES: Appendix I. They have been hunted in high numbers for the fur trade.