Abstract

The pampas cat Leopardus colocola has been subject to conflicting classifications over the years. Currently, one polytypic species with seven subspecies is recognized, but integrative taxonomic study for this debated group has never been done. Here, we combine the broadest morphological coverage of the pampas cat to date with molecular data and ecological niche models to clarify its species composition and test the validity of recently proposed subspecies. The multiple lines of evidence derived from morphology, molecular, biogeography and climatic niche datasets converged on the recognition of five monotypic species: L. braccatus, L. colocola, L. garleppi (including thomasi, budini, steinbachi, crespoi and wolffsohni as synonyms), L. munoai and L. pajeros (including crucina as synonym). These five species are morphologically diagnosable based on skin and skull traits, have evolved in distinct climatic niche spaces and were recovered in molecular species delimitation. Contrary to previous taxonomic arrangements, we do not recognize subspecies in pampas cats. To objectively define the two most controversial species, we designate neotypes for L. colocola and L. pajeros. The diversification of pampas cats is associated with Middle Pleistocene glaciations, but additional genetic samples from the central Andean region are still needed to conclusively reconstruct its evolutionary history.

中文翻译：

---

南美大草原猫Leopardus colocola复合体（食肉动物：Felidae）的分类学修订：一种综合方法

摘要

多年来，南美大草原猫Leopardus colocola面临着相互矛盾的分类。目前，一个具有七个亚种的多型物种已得到认可，但尚未对该辩论组进行综合分类学研究。在这里，我们将迄今为止最广泛的南美大草原猫的形态学范围与分子数据和生态位模型相结合，以阐明其物种组成并测试最近提出的亚种的有效性。从形态学，分子，生物地理学和气候数据集利基衍生证据多行会聚在识别五个单型物种：L. braccatus，L. colocola，L. garleppi（包括thomasi，budini，steinbachi，crespoi和wolffsohni作为同义词），L。munoai和L. pajeros（包括crucina作为同义词）。根据皮肤和头骨特征，这五个物种在形态上可诊断，已经在不同的气候生态位空间中进化，并在分子物种定界中被恢复。与以前的分类安排相反，我们不认识南美大草原猫的亚种。为了客观地定义两个最具争议的物种，我们指定了L. colocola和L. pajeros的新类型。南美大草原猫的多样化与中更新世冰川有关，但仍需要安第斯中部地区的其他遗传样本来确定性地重建其进化历史。