The Andean mountain system, in which the Andean cat is found, belongs to the Central Andes and part of the Southern Andes and includes a series of mountainous chains that comprise three important eco-regions for the Andean cat; the high Andean eco-region, the Puna and the southern Andean Steppe.

The high Andean region contain the high mountains of the Andean mountain range and its average altitude varies from 3000 m in its more southern or south part (Argentina) to more than 4400 m toward the north (Bolivia and Peru).  The Puna, which is found at lower elevations, between 3200 and 3700 m, is characterized by the presence of extensive and high plateaus or rolling plains that are crossed by a series of mountains.

In both eco-regions the climate is severe, cold and dry with intense solar radiation and large daily thermal variations; mean annual temperatures varies from less than 0° to 4°C, and between 8º and 9ºC, being the lower values for the high Andean region. Precipitation is also low and varies from less than 100 to 800mm annually and it is more abundant during summer; in the high Andean region the rain falls mainly as hail or snow. Along the Andean mountain range climatic conditions vary from northeast to southwest; to the south the rainfall diminishes, the rainy season is shorter and aridity is greater.

Fauna and Flora species are similar for both eco-regions; they are adapted to cold and arid environments. The plants show anatomical and physiological adaptations (hard, small and scale-shaped leaves, growth in the shape of cushions or plates, etc.) and the animals show besides ethological adaptations.

The vegetation is characterized by the presence of low pasturelands with the dominance of grasses and small plants. The bushes are represented mainly by extensive tholares"" (Parastrephia spp. and Lepidophyllum spp.). In areas with more severe climatic conditions, the vegetation is shorter and its distribution is more scattered. In the rocky zones of volcanic origin grow cushions of “yareta” (Azorella compacta) and the queñoa (Polylepis spp.), the only arboreal species that has adapted to these high altitude conditions. The presence of “bofedales” or fertile and wet plains is also characteristic in these high altitude environments and they are an important resource for wildlife and domestic animals that inhabit the area.

The fauna in both regions is similar; among the carnivorous, besides the Andean cat we found the pampas cat (Oncifelis colocolo), the puma (Puma concolor), the Andean or “culpeo” fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus), the lesser ferret (Galictis cuja) and the skunk (Conepatus chinga); in Argentina is also found the gray fox (P. griseus).  The herbivorous are represented by the vicuña (Vicguna vicugna), the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), the Andean deer or taruka (Hippocamelus antisensis) and a variety of rodents, standing out the vizcacha (Lagidium viscaccia and L. peruanum) as the main prey of the Andean cat.  As species of particular importance, we found in Chile the long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) and it is possible that small populations of the short-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla brevicauda) are still found in the high zones of Chile and Bolivia.  The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), the “suri” or rhea (Pterconemia pennata) and three species of flamingos (Phoenicoparrus andinus, P. jamesi and Phoenicopterus chilensis) are the typical bird representatives of these regions; in addition a great variety of aquatic bird life has a very important presence, especially in the high-Andean region.

In recent years the presence of the Andean cat was discovered in the eco-region of the southern Andean steppe, in the Argentinean provinces of San Juan and Mendoza.  This region extends along the mountains of the western and central zone of Argentina and the adjacent part of Chile; and includes many of the highest peaks of South America.  It is a predominantly dry zone, with a rain gradient in north-south direction from 200 to 600 mm, and the rainfall increases with the altitude. The maximum elevation limits for vegetation are found approximately at 5000 meters above sea level to the north and at 3000 asl to the south.

Several flora genera that are characteristic of this eco-region have evolved toward various endemic species. The plants often show adaptations to conditions of cold, extreme dryness and strong wind, and commonly present thorns and defences against herbivorous, along with very conspicuous flowers to attract pollinators.  The fauna of this region is related to those of the neighbouring eco-regions, especially with that of the Central Puna and Patagonian steppe. 

Conservation status
An assessment of the conservation status of the eco-regions of Latin America situates the Puna region (including the high Andean region) of the Central Andes in the Vulnerable category and within the levels of high priority for its conservation at the regional level.

The southern Andean steppe is a low populated zone and at present does not show serious threats with regards to habitat degradation, then, it is considered as relatively stable.  Nevertheless, it is important to take into account in the future that activities such as tourism and mountaineering, currently in growth, as well as the development of agriculture at great scale and cattle breeding, can produce greater impacts.  Likewise the introduction of exotic species and the hunt of native mammals can also alter the ecosystems of this region.