In the typical genus _Felis_, which includes the great majority of the species, and has a distribution coextensive with that of the family, the upper sectorial tooth has a distinct inner cusp, the claws are completely contractile, the tail is long or moderate, and the ears do not carry distinct tufts of hair. As regards the larger species, the lion (_F. leo_), tiger (_F. tigris_), leopard (_F. pardus_), ounce or snow-leopard (_F. uncia_) and clouded leopard (_F. nebulosa_) are described in separate articles. Of other Old World species it must suffice to mention that the Tibetan Fontanier's cat (_F. tristis_), and the Indian marbled cat (_F. marmorata_), an ally of the above-mentioned clouded leopard, appear to be the Asiatic representatives of the American ocelots. The Tibetan Pallas's cat (_F. manul_) has been made the type of a distinct genus, _Trichaelurus_, in allusion to its long coat. One of the largest of the smaller species is the African serval, q.v. (_F. serval_), which is yellow with solid black spots, has long limbs, and a relatively short tail. Numerous "tiger-cats" and "leopard-cats," such as the spotted _F. bengalensis_ and the uniformly chestnut _F. badia_, inhabit tropical Asia; while representative species occur in Africa. The jungle-cat (_F. chaus_), which in its slightly tufted ears and shorter tail foreshadows the lynxes, is common to both continents. Another African species (_F. ocreata_) appears to have been the chief progenitor of the European domestic cat, which has, however, apparently been crossed to some extent with the ordinary wild cat (_F. catus_). Of the New World species, _F. concolor_, the puma or couguar, commonly called "panther" in the United States, is about the size of a leopard, but of a uniform brown colour, spotted only when young, and is extensively distributed in both North and South America, ranging between the parallels of 60° N. and 50° S., where it is represented by numerous local races, varying in size and colour. _F. onca_, the jaguar, is a larger and more powerful animal than the last, and more resembles the leopard in its colours; it is also found in both North and South America, although with a less extensive range, reaching northwards only as far as Texas, and southwards nearly to Patagonia (see JAGUAR). _F. pardalis_ and several allied smaller, elegantly-spotted species inhabiting the intratropical regions of America, are commonly confounded under the name of ocelot or tiger-cat. _F. yaguarondi_, rather larger than the domestic cat, with an elongated head and body, and of a uniform brownish-grey colour, ranges from northern Mexico to Paraguay; while the allied _F. eyra_ is a small cat, weasel-like in form, having an elongated head, body and tail, and short limbs, and is of a uniform light reddish-brown colour. It is a native of South America and Mexico. _F. pajeros_ is the Pampas cat. Entry: A
_Fauna._--The geographical position of Colombia gives to it a fauna and flora largely characteristic of the great tropical region of the Amazon on the south-east, and of the mountainous regions of Central America on the north-west. At the same time it is rich in animal and plant types of its own, especially the latter, and is considered one of the best fields in South America for the student and collector. The fauna is essentially tropical, though a few species characteristic of colder regions are to be found in the higher Andes. Of the Quadrumana there are at least seventeen distinct species, and this number may be increased after a thorough exploration of the forested eastern plains. They are all arboreal in habit, and are to be found throughout the forested lowlands and lower mountain slopes. The carnivora are represented by seven or eight species of the Felidae, the largest of which are the puma (_Felis concolor_) and the jaguar (_F. onca_). These animals, together with the smaller ocelot, have a wide geographical range, and are very numerous in the valley of the Magdalena. Two species of bear and the "coatí" (_Nasua_) represent the plantigrades and inhabit the mountain slopes, and, of Pachydermata, the peccary (_Dicotyles_) and "danta" or tapir (_Tapirus_) have a wide distribution throughout the lowland and lower plateau forests. The Colombian tapir is known as the _Tapirus Roulini_, and is slightly smaller than the Brazilian species (_T. americanus_). There are deer in the forests and on the open savannahs, the rabbit and squirrel are to be seen on the eastern slopes of the Andes, and partly amphibious rodents, the "capybara" (_Hydrochoerus_) and "guagua" (_Coelogenys subniger_), are very numerous along the wooded watercourses. The sloth, armadillo, opossum, skunk and a species of fox complete the list of the more common quadrupeds so far as known, though it is certain that a careful biological survey would discover many others. The large rivers of Colombia and the lakes of the lowlands are filled with alligators, turtles, and fish, and several species of fish are highly esteemed by the natives as food. The saurians are represented on land by several species of lizard, some of them conspicuous for their brilliant colouring, and by the large "iguana," whose flesh is considered a great delicacy. Among the ophidians, which include many harmless species, are the boa-constrictor, rattlesnake, the dreaded _Lachesis_ and the coral snake. The "manatee" (_Manatus americanus_) is found in the Atrato and other large Colombian rivers. Entry: COLOMBIA
_Fauna._--Guiana is full of wild animals, birds, insects and reptiles. Among the wild animals, one and all nocturnal, are the mipourrie or tapir, manatee, acouri and labba (both excellent eating), sloth, ant-eater, armadillo, several kinds of deer, baboons, monkeys and the puma and jaguar. The last is seen frequently down on the coast, attracted from the forest by the cattle grazing on the front and back pasture lands of the estates. Among the birds may be mentioned the carrion crow (an invaluable scavenger), vicissi and muscovy ducks, snipe, teal, plover, pigeon, the ubiquitous kiskadee or _qu'est que dit_, a species of shrike--his name derived from his shrill call--the canary and the twa-twa, both charming whistlers. These are all found on the coast. In the forest are maam (partridge), maroudi (wild turkey), the beautiful bell-bird with note like a silver gong, the quadrille bird with its tuneful oft-repeated bar, great flocks of macaws and parrots, and other birds of plumage of almost indescribable richness and variety. On the coast the trenches and canals are full of alligators, but the great cayman is found only in the rivers of the interior. Among the many varieties of snakes are huge constricting camoudies, deadly bushmasters, labarrias and rattlesnakes. Among other reptiles are the two large lizards, the salumpenta (an active enemy of the barn-door fowl), and the iguana, whose flesh when cooked resembles tender chicken. The rivers, streams and trenches abound with fishes, crabs and shrimps, the amount of the latter consumed being enormous, running into tons weekly as the coolies use them in their curries and the blacks in their foo-foo. Entry: I
_Fauna._--The Argentine fauna, like its flora, has been greatly influenced by the character and position of the pampas. Whatever it may have been in remote geological periods, it is now extremely limited both in size and numbers. Of the indigenous fauna, the tapir of the north and the guanaco of the west and south are the largest of the animals. The pampas were almost destitute of animal life before the horses and cattle of the Spanish invaders were there turned out to graze, and the puma and jaguar never came there until the herds of European cattle attracted them. The timid viscacha (_Lagostomus trichodactylus_), living in colonies, often with the burrowing owl, and digging deep under ground like the American prairie dog, was almost the only quadruped to be seen upon these immense open plains. The fox, of which several species exist, probably never ventured far into the plain, for it afforded him no shelter. Immense flocks of gulls were probably attracted to it then as now by its insect life, and its lagoons and streams teemed with aquatic birds. The occupation of this region by Europeans, and the introduction of horses, asses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine, have completely changed its aspect and character. On the Patagonian steppes there are comparatively few species of animals. Among them are the puma (_Felis concolor_), a smaller variety of the jaguar (_Felis onça_), the wolf, the fox, the Patagonian hare (_Dolichotis patagonica_) and two species of wild cat. The huge glyptodon once inhabited this region, which now possesses the smallest armadillo known, the "quir-quincho" or _Dasypus minutus_. The guanaco (_Auchenia_), which ranges from Tierra del Fuego to the Bolivian highlands, finds comparative safety in these uninhabitable solitudes, and is still numerous. The "ñandú" or American ostrich (_Rhea americana_), inhabiting the pampas and open plains of the Chaco, has in Patagonia a smaller counterpart (_Rhea Darwinii_), which is never seen north of the Rio Negro. On the arid plateaus of the north-west, the guanaco and vicuña are still to be found, though less frequently, together with a smaller species of viscacha (_Lagidium cuvieri_). The greatest development of the Argentine fauna, however, is in the warm, wooded regions of the north and north-east, where many animals are of the same species as those in the neighbouring territories of Brazil. Several species of monkeys inhabit the forests from the Paraná to the Bolivian frontier. Pumas, jaguars and one or two species of wild cat are numerous, as also the Argentine wolf and two of three species of fox. The coatí, marten, skunk and otter (_Lutra paranensis_) are widely distributed. Three species of deer are common. In the Chaco the tapir or anta (_Tapir americanus_) still finds a safe retreat, and the peccary (_Dycotyles torquatus_) ranges from Córdoba north to the Bolivian frontier. The capybara (_Hydrochoerus capybara_) is also numerous in this region. Of birds the number of species greatly exceeds that of the mammals, including the rhea of the pampas and condor of the Andes, and the tiny, brilliant-hued humming-birds of the tropical North. Vultures and hawks are well represented, but perhaps the most numerous of all are the parrots, of which there are six or seven species. The reptilians are represented in the Paraná by the jacaré (_Alligator sclerpos_), and on land by the "iguana" (_Teius teguexim, Podinema teguixin_), and some species of lizard. Serpents are numerous, but only two are described as poisonous, the cascavel (rattlesnake) and the "vibora de la cruz" (_Trigonocephalus alternatus_).[2] Entry: ARGENTINA
_Fauna._--The fauna of Ecuador is comparatively poor in mammalia, but the birds and still more the insects are very numerous. The Quadrumana are represented by a large number of species, the eastern forests being very much like the other parts of the great Amazonian basin in this respect. The Carnivora include the puma (_Felis concolor_), jaguar (_F. onca_), ocelot (_F. grisea_), bear (_Ursus ornatus_), fox, weasel and otter. A small deer and, in southern Ecuador, the llama (_Auchenia_) with its allied species, the alpaca, guanaco and vicuña, represent the ruminants. The rodents are numerous and include most, if not all, of the Amazonian species--the capybara (_Hydrochoerus capybara_), cavia (_C. aperea_), paca (_Coelogenys paca_) and cutia (_Dasyprocta aguti_), all amphibious and having an extensive range. Tapirs are to be found in the eastern forests, the peccary in more open woodlands, and the opossum in nearly every part of the country. Cattle, horses, asses, sheep and swine were introduced by the Spaniards, and thrive well in some of the provinces. Excellent horses are reared in the uplands, as well as mules and cattle, the pasturage on the mountain slopes being good, and alfalfa being grown in abundance in many districts. The Reptilia include countless numbers of alligators in the Guayas and its tributaries and in the tide-water channels of many of the smaller rivers; many species of lizards, of which Mr Whymper found three in the Quito basin; snakes of every description from the huge anaconda of the Amazon region down to the beautifully marked coral snake; and a great variety of frogs and toads. Bats also are very numerous, especially in the eastern forest region, where the vampire bat is a serious obstacle to permanent settlement. The avifauna of Ecuador is distinguished for the great variety of its genera and species, among which are many peculiar to the Amazon valley, and others to the colder uplands. Among the Amazon species may be mentioned the parrot, macaw (_Macrocercus_), toucan (_Ramphastos_), curassow (_Crax_), penelope, trogon, and horned screamer (_Palamedea cornuta_). There are also herons, ibises, storks and cranes, including the great black-headed white crane, _Mycteria americana_, which ranges from northern Argentina to Colombia. One species of ibis, the _Theristicus caudatus_, is to be found, it is said, only on the slopes of Antisana. Species of the pheasant and partridge are not uncommon, and the "guácharo" (_Steatornis caripensis_), once believed to inhabit Venezuela only, is found in Ecuador also. The Raptores are well represented by a large number of genera and species, which include the condor, eagle, vulture, falcon, hawk and owl. The condor (_Sarcorhamphus gryphus_) is commonly found between the elevations of 6000 and 16,000 ft., rarely, if ever, descending to the lowland plains or rising above the lower peaks. It preys upon the smaller animals and inflicts much loss upon stock farmers through the destruction of calves, lambs, &c., but it very rarely ventures to attack man or any of the larger animals. The eagle common to Ecuador is the _Morphnus taeniatus_, and possibly the _M. guaianensis_ on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The harrier-eagle (_Herpetotheres cachinnans_) is also to be found throughout this part of the continent. An eagle with buzzard-like habits, the _Leucopternis plumbea_, is likewise common in Ecuador. Among the vultures the turkey-buzzard group (_Rhinogryphus_ or _Cathartes_), including the _R. aurus_, _burrovianus_ and _perniger_, is common everywhere. The carrion crow, or black vulture (_Catharista atrata_), is also common to every part of the country, and is the general scavenger. The carrion hawks are represented by the _Polyborus tharus_, popularly called the "caracara," and the _Phalcobaenus carunculatus_; the falcons by the _Aesalon columbarius_; and the kites by the _Gampsonyx swainsoni_. The Ecuadorean owl is the _Bubo nigrescens_. An interesting species of the song birds is popularly known as the "flautero" (flute-bird), which inhabits the eastern forests. Its notes are marvellous imitations of "the most mellow, sweet-sounding flute," but the singer itself, according to Mr Simson, is "a very insignificant-looking little, greyish-coloured bird," which "always dies in captivity." The most interesting group of the smaller birds is that of the hummingbirds, of which the number and variety is astonishing. Some of these have a very wide range, while others are apparently limited to a small district, or to a certain altitude. The best-known fish of Ecuador is the insignificant _Pimelodus cyclopum_, the only fish found in the streams and lakes of the plateau region. Its fame rests on Humboldt's publication of the tradition that great numbers of this tiny fish had been thrown out during the eruptions of Imbabura and other volcanoes. Mr Whymper's explanation of the phenomenon is that the fish are scattered over the land by the sudden overflow during volcanic eruptions of the rivers and lakes which they inhabit. The rivers of the eastern plains are probably stocked with the fish found in the Amazon. On the coast, the Ancon de Sardinas bay is so named from the multitude of small fish (_sardinas_) which inhabit its waters. Elsewhere there are no fisheries of importance, except those of the Galapagos Islands. Entry: ECUADOR
_Fauna_.--The larger animals of Canada are the musk ox and the caribou of the barren lands, both having their habitat in the far north; the caribou of the woods, found in all the provinces except in Prince Edward Island; the moose, with an equally wide range in the wooded country; the Virginia deer, in one or other of its varietal forms, common to all the southern parts; the black-tailed deer or mule deer and allied forms, on the western edge of the plains and in British Columbia; the pronghorn antelope on the plains, and a small remnant of the once plentiful bison found in northern Alberta and Mackenzie, now called "wood buffalo." The wapiti or American elk at one time abounded from Quebec to the Pacific, and as far north as the Peace river, but is now found only in small numbers from Manitoba westwards. In the mountains of the west are the grizzly bear, black bear and cinnamon bear. The black bear is also common to most other parts of Canada; the polar bear everywhere along the Arctic littoral. The large or timber wolf is found in the wooded districts of all the provinces, and on the plains there is also a smaller wolf called the coyote. In British Columbia the puma or cougar, sometimes called the panther and the American lion, still frequently occurs; and in all parts the common fox and the silver fox, the lynx, beaver, otter, marten, fisher, wolverene, mink, skunk and other fur-bearing animals. Mountain and plain and Arctic hares and rabbits are plentiful or scarce in localities, according to seasons or other circumstances. In the mountains of British Columbia are the bighorn or Rocky Mountain sheep and the Rocky Mountain goat, while the saddleback and white mountain sheep have recently been discovered in the northern Cordillera. The birds of Canada are mostly migratory, and are those common to the northern and central states of the United States. The wildfowl are, particularly in the west, in great numbers; their breeding-grounds extending from Manitoba and the western prairies up to Hudson Bay, the barren lands and Arctic coasts. The several kinds of geese--including the Canada goose, the Arctic goose or wavey, the laughing goose, the brant and others--all breed in the northern regions, but are found in great numbers throughout the several provinces, passing north in the spring and south in the autumn. There are several varieties of grouse, the largest of which is the grouse of British Columbia and the pennated grouse and the prairie chicken of Manitoba and the plains, besides the so-called partridge and willow partridge, both of which are grouse. While the pennated grouse (called the prairie chicken in Canada) has always been plentiful, the prairie hen (or chicken) proper is a more recent arrival from Minnesota and the Dakotas, to which it had come from Illinois and the south as settlement and accompanying wheatfields extended north. In certain parts of Ontario the wild turkey is occasionally found and the ordinary quail, but in British Columbia is found the California quail, and a larger bird much resembling it called the mountain partridge. The golden eagle, bald-headed eagle, osprey and a large variety of hawks are common in Canada, as are the snowy owl, the horned owl and others inhabiting northern climates. The raven frequently remains even in the colder parts throughout the winter; these, with the Canada jay, waxwing, grosbeak and snow bunting, being the principal birds seen in Manitoba and northern districts in that season. The rook is not found, but the common crow and one or two other kinds are there during the summer. Song-birds are plentiful, especially in wooded regions, and include the American robin, oriole, thrushes, the cat-bird and various sparrows; while the English sparrow, introduced years ago, has multiplied excessively and become a nuisance in the towns. The smallest of the birds, the ruby throat humming-bird, is found everywhere, even up to timber line in the mountains. The sea-birds include a great variety of gulls, guillemots, cormorants, albatrosses (four species), fulmars and petrels, and in the Gulf of St Lawrence the gannet is very abundant. Nearly all the sea-birds of Great Britain are found in Canadian waters or are represented by closely allied species. (A. P. C.) Entry: CANADA
_Fauna._--The entire state is included within the Austro-riparian life zone; the higher portions fall within the Carolinian area and the lower portions, including the Gulf and the Mississippi embayment almost to the N.E. corner of the state, constitute a special semi-tropical region. The native fauna of the state resembles in its general features that of the other Gulf states. The feral fauna was once rather varied. Black bears, wolves and deer are not yet extinct, and more rarely a "wild cat" (lynx) or "panther" (puma) is seen in the swamps. Of smaller mammals, raccoons, squirrels and opossums are very common. Every bayou contains alligators; and reptiles of various species, such as turtles, lizards, horned toads, rattlesnakes and moccasins are abundant. Shrimps, frogs (of great commercial importance), terrapin, clams and oysters are common. Only in very recent years have oysters, though plentiful, become of competitive importance in the national market; they are greatly favoured by state protective legislation. In 1904 a state oyster commission was created to supplant the independent control by the parishes. An important boundary dispute with Mississippi arose over beds lying near the state line. The state leases the beds at a low annual rental in tracts (limited for each person, firm or corporation to 1000 acres), and draws from them a considerable revenue. The avifauna is varied and abundant, comprising eagles, vultures (protected by law), hawks, owls, pelicans, cranes, turkeys, geese, "partridges" (called quail or "Bob White" elsewhere), ducks, &c., besides numerous smaller species, many of which are brilliant of plumage but harsh of voice. Entry: LOUISIANA
_Fauna._--Among the larger mammals are the big-horn or mountain sheep (_Ovis canadensis_), the Rocky Mountain goat (_Mazama montana_), the grizzly bear, moose, woodland caribou, black-tailed or mule deer, white-tailed deer, and coyote. All these are to be found only on the mainland. The black bear, wolf, puma, lynx, wapiti, and Columbian or coast deer are common to parts of both mainland and islands. Of marine mammals the most characteristic are the sea-lion, fur-seal, sea-otter and harbour-seal. About 340 species of birds are known to occur in the province, among which, as of special interest, may be mentioned the burrowing owl of the dry, interior region, the American magpie, Steller's jay and a true nut-cracker, Clark's crow (_Picicorvus columbianus_). True jays and orioles are also well represented. The gallinaceous birds include the large blue grouse of the coast, replaced in the Rocky Mountains by the dusky grouse. The western form of the "spruce partridge" of eastern Canada is also abundant, together with several forms referred to the genus _Bonasa_, generally known as "partridges" or ruffed grouse. Ptarmigans also abound in many of the higher mountain regions. Of the _Anatidae_ only passing mention need be made. During the spring and autumn migrations many species are found in great abundance, but in the summer a smaller number remain to breed, chief among which are the teal, mallard, wood-duck, spoon-bill, pin-tail, buffle-head, red-head, canvas-back, scaup-duck, &c. Entry: 4
_Fauna._--The fauna of Chile is comparatively poor, both in species and individuals. A great part of the northern deserts is as barren of animal life as of vegetation, and the dense humid forests of the south shelter surprisingly few species. There are no large mammals in all this extensive region except the Cetacea and a species of the _Phocidae_ of southern waters. Neither are there any dangerous species of Carnivora, which are represented by the timid puma (_Felis concolor_), three species of wildcats, three of the fox, two of _Conepatus_, a weasel, sea-otter and six species of seal. The rodents are the most numerously represented order, which includes the _coypu_ or nutria (_Myopotamus coypus_), the chinchilla (_Chinchilla laniger_), the tuco-tuco (_Ctenomys brasiliensis_), a rabbit, and 12 species of mice--in all some 12 genera and 25 species. The coypu, sometimes called the South American beaver, inhabits the river-banks, and is highly prized for its fur. It is also found along the river-courses of Argentina. The ruminants are represented by a few species only--the guanaco (_Auchenia huanaco_), _vicuna_ (_A. vicugna_), _huemul_ (_Cervus chilensis_), which appears on the Chilean escutcheon, and the _pudu_ deer, a small and not very numerous species. There are two species of the Edentata, _Dasypus_ and _Pichiciego_, the latter very rare, and one of the opossums. European animals, such as horses, cattle, sheep, swine and goats, have been introduced into the country and do well. Sheep-raising has also been inaugurated with some degree of success in the vicinity of the Straits of Magellan. The avifauna, with the exception of waterfowl, is also limited to comparatively few species. Birds of prey are represented by the condor, vulture, two species of the carrion-hawk (_Polyborus_), and owl. The Chilean slopes of the Andes appear to be a favourite haunt of the condor, where neighbouring stock-raisers suffer severe losses at times from its attacks. The _Insessores_ are represented by a number of species. Parrots are found as far south as Tierra del Fuego, where Darwin saw them feeding on seeds of the Winter's bark. Humming-birds have a similar range on this coast, one species (_Mellisuga Kingii_) being quite numerous as far south as Tierra del Fuego. A characteristic genus is that of _Pteroptochus_, of which there are three or four species each characterized by some conspicuous peculiarity. These are _P. megapodius_, called _El Turco_ by the natives, which is noticeable for its ungainly appearance and awkward gait; the _P. albicollis_, which inhabits barren hillsides and is called _tapacollo_ from the manner of carrying its tail turned far forward over its back; the _P. rubecula_, of Chiloé, a small timid denizen of the gloomy forest, called the _cheucau_ or _chuca_, whose two or three notes are believed by the superstitious natives to be auguries of impending success or disaster; and an allied species (_Hylactes Tarnii_, King) called the _guid-guid_ or barking bird, whose cry is a close imitation of the yelp of a small dog. The southern coast and its inland waters are frequented by several species of petrel, among which are the _Procellaria gigantea_, whose strength and rapacity led the Spaniards to call it _quebranta huesos_ (breakbones), the _Puffinus cinereus_, which inhabits the inland channels in large flocks, and an allied species (_Puffinuria Berardii_) which inhabits the inland sounds and resembles the auk in some particulars of habit and appearance. There are numerous species in these sheltered channels, inlets and sounds of geese, ducks, swans, cormorants, ibises, bitterns, red-beaks, curlew, snipe, plover and moorhens. Conspicuous among these are the great white swan (_Cygnus anatoides_), the black-necked swan (_Anser nigricollis_), the antarctic goose (_Anas antarctica_) and the "race-horse" or "steamer duck" (_Micropterus brachypterus_). Entry: CHILE