Abstract

Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430120305.abs A captive-living male Felis pardalis and female F. concolor produced four litters between 1990 and 1992. Both the body size and spot pattern of the offspring showed characteristics intermediate between those of the parents, but, in general, there was greater phenotypic similarity to the sire. Contrary to previous cases of felid hybridization, neither equal body size of the partners nor male physical dominance was necessary for copulation in these felids. This successful interbreeding confirms the position of the puma in the genus Felis, but also raises questions about phylogenetic relationships within the genus. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.