Felis (Leopardus) pardalis
| The ocelot is a medium sized cat who's habitat ranges from the extreme southwest US to central and South America. Ocelots are about twice the size of an average domesticated cat, and can reach 65 cm to 100 cm in length, excluding the tail, and an average of 40 to 50 cm in height at the shoulder. The males of the species are larger than the females and can weigh as much as 16 kilograms. The ocelots base coat color varies dependant upon habitat, it is generally creamy or yellow, but can also be a reddish-grey, brown or grey in color. The base coat color tends to be darker in cats that inhabit forested areas, and lighter in those in the more arid climates. Ocelots have dark, or black lines on the face, and solid spots on the head and extremities. They also have both solid and open spots and chain-like lines on the body, with tawny interiors and black borders. These cats have short tails, 25 to 48 cm in length, that are either ringed or have dark bands across the top. |  |
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Because of it's stunning markings, the ocelot has been hunted mercilessly by the fur industry, in one year the USA imported 140,000 ocelot skins. To make one coat, thirteen ocelots die. Unfortunately, due to their hunting habits, ocelots are quite easy to shoot. These cats will often use man made paths or walk next to waterways where the ground is easier to traverse, this behavior makes them vulnerable to poachers. The ocelot will generally hunt at night for prey such as rodents, amphibians, birds, small reptiles, fish and squirrel monkeys. A good hunter, the ocelot will employ a stalk and rush tactic once it has sighted it's prey. He may walk and hunt to locate prey, or sit and wait for it to cross his path. |
| Because of deforestation, poaching, and trapping for the pet industry, the ocelot is endangered of becoming extinct in many if it's natural ranges. As of now, the ocelot is listed as an endangered species.There is an estimated population of 120 ocelot remaining in the United States Southwest, and there is believed to be a self sustaining population of escaped and released pet ocelots in the Miami area of Florida. The wild population of Central and South America is unknown, but is believed to be declining. Like the jaguar, tiger, and other big cats, the ocelot is suffering the effects of mankind, and only man can reverse them. |  |
For more information about the ocelot, visit the sites listed below......
BIGCATS.COM - Links to Sites About Wild Cats
