Puma

The puma is the largest cat in this regional collection. Adults have a muscular, largely unmarked tawny or greyish body, a relatively small head and a long tail. Cubs are spotted; those juvenile markings gradually disappear as the animals grow.

A solitary predator of open and broken country, it can take prey ranging from smaller mammals to guanacos. The dry landscapes around Valdés form part of its wider Patagonian range. Broad movements and a discreet way of life mean that suitable habitat may hold pumas without offering visitors a view.

In our region. Documented regionally, including the Valdés area, but an exceptional sighting on ordinary coastal or birding itineraries. No guaranteed puma-viewing claim is justified here.