| Ocelot | |||
| Genus | Felis | ||
| Species | pardalis | ||
| Status | Endangered | ||
| Habitat | Tropical and subtropical forests; low swamp to upland oak forests; dense chaparral thickets | ||
| Distribution | USA (Arizona, Texas) to Central and South America | ||
| Appearance | The ocelot is a medium-sized (0.8 to 1.2 m long) spotted cat with a long tail. The ground color is grayish to cinnamon and paler on the sides. Its underparts and insides of limbs are whitish. Dark markings form streaks that run down its sides, as well as areas enclosed by black-bordered spots. Two black stripes are found on its cheeks, and the tail is spotted and ringed with black. Young are similarly colored but darker. | ||
| Behavior | Ocelots live in caves in rock bluffs, hollow trees, or dense parts of thickets. Pairs will share the same territory but will not hunt together. Ocelots are often found resting in trees, for they are excellent tree climbers. | ||
| Diet | Small and moderate-sized mammals, birds, monkeys, tree lizards, domestic fowl | ||
| Feeding | Ocelots usually hunt at night, but can be seen during the daytime as well. Their food habits are not well known. | ||
| Breeding | Ocelots have no fixed breeding season, but it usually takes place in late summer. Young are born in September to November. The growth and development of ocelot young is not well known. | ||
| Gestation | 70 days | ||
| No. of Young | 2-4 young (2 is more common); average litter size in Texas is 1 | ||
| Conservation |
The ocelot is endangered because of habitat destruction and degradation from brush-clearing operations. Predator control activities and persecution have also contributed to its population decline, in addition to pet and fur trade exploitation.
These creatures are protected in Texas and some Latin American countries, but they still need a lot of protection and care if they are to make a comeback. | ||
| Interesting Facts | In humid, jungle areas, the ocelot's fur is orange. In the desert, its coat is gray. | ||
| Images and Video Clips | |||
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