Subspecies
In 2005, Mammal Species of the World recognised 5 subspecies of the Pampas Cat:
- Leopardus pajeros pajeros (nominate) – southern Chile and widely in Argentina.
- Leopardus pajeros crespoi – eastern slope of the Andes in northwestern Argentina.
- Leopardus pajeros garleppi – Andes in Peru.
- Leopardus pajeros steinbachi – Andes in Bolivia.
- Leopardus pajeros thomasi – Andes in Ecuador.
Based on two specimens of the subspecies steinbachi, it is larger and paler than garleppi. However, this is labelled with uncertainty due to the very small sample, and some treat it as a synonym of garleppi. Uncertainty also exists for the subspecies budini, which appears to resemble crespoi and was described from lowlands of northwestern Argentina, but may actually be from humid forests in the region. Some recognise it, while other do not. Finally, populations in southern Chile and the southern half of Argentina, included in the nominate in the above list, have been recognised as the subspecies crucinus based on the large size (the largest Pampas cats) and dull pelage (third type, see Description).
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