Ocelot
Leopardus pardalis
Featured Ocelots
Magoo
Description and Behavior
Ocelots are probably the best known small cat of the Americas, mostly due to predominance of use of fur for coats. Pelage (fur) is short, thick, and gray with rosettes and spots. They are strongly nocturnal, resting in trees and dense brush during the day. Male and female habitats are separate, with males’ overlapping females’. Ocelots are also known for their smell - they have a very strong smell that is used to mark their territories.
Prey
Rodents are the main prey item, but will take larger prey items like opossums, monkeys, anteaters, and tortoises. Ocelots are opportunist hunters. They will hunt in trees, land, or water.
Habitat
Hugely variable; can be found in lowland rainforest, savanna woodlands, semi-arid scrub forests.
Range
Throughout South and Central America, remnant population in US in southern Texas scrublands. Once ranged throughout southwestern US (New Mexico, Arizona, southern California)
Biology
| Weight | 20-25 lbs. |
| Reproductive Season | Not seasonal
|
| Gestation Period | 79-85 days
|
| Litter Size | 1-2 kittens per litter
|
| Age at Independence | |
| Sexual Maturity | Males – 15 months, females – 18 months
|
| Longevity | Up to 21 years (average) in captivity – less in the wild
|
| Social Structure | Solitary, except for raising kittens
|
Principal Threats
Successful in many habitat types, but habitat loss threatens them. Also, loss of stable prey population is a threat. The fur trade is one of the principal threats as it can take as many as 35 pelts to make a single coat. Another threat is their use as pets. Many people will try to keep these animals in their houses, not realizing that their strong smell and strong desire to play rough makes them not an ideal house pet.
Role in Environment
Keystone species in rainforest ecosystems – control of rodents allows rainforest plant life to remain healthy. Rainforests are extremely important to humans for a variety of reasons – not only do many of our pharmaceutical drugs originate there, we also get many spices from the rainforest (no rainforest = no chocolate!). Rainforests contribute a large percentage of oxygen and moisture to our atmosphere which also helps keep our climate stable.
|
