The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), also known as the Dwarf Leopard, McKenney's Wildcat, Jaguatirica (in Brazil), Jaguarete (in Paraguay and Argentina), Tigrillo (in Ecuador and Colombia), Cunaguaro (in Venezuela), or Manigordo (in Costa Rica and Panama) is a wild cat distributed over South and Central America and Mexico, but has been reported as far north as Texas and in Trinidad, in the Caribbean. North of Mexico, it is found regularly only in the extreme southern part of Texas, although there are rare sightings in Southern Arizona.The Ocelot is similar in appearance to a domestic cat. Its fur resembles that of a Clouded Leopard or Jaguar and was once regarded as particularly valuable. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Ocelots were once killed for their fur.
Ten Facts about Ocelot
- Males are slightly larger than females. Weight ranges from 20 to 40 pounds. Head and body length ranges from 21 to 40 inches, tail length ranges from 11 to 18 inches. Height can be up to 18 inches.
- The ocelot has a single, white spot on the back of each ear and some white markings around its eyes and mouth. Two black lines run the length of either side of its face and the tail is marked with black bands.
- Lifespan: 7-10 years in the wild; 20 years in captivity.
- Male ocelots confine themselves to a range of about seven square miles, while females inhabit smaller areas of about 4 square miles.
- Gestation: 79-85 days. Litter size ranges from one to three cubs. Reach sexual maturity at 18-24 months.
- Carnivore. In the wild: most prey taken weighs less than 1-3 percent of an ocelot's body weight and includes small mammals, fish, deer, reptiles and birds. At the zoo: carnivore diet and enrichment/training treats such as rodents.
- Found in Arizona, Texas and every country south of the United States, except Chile.
- Excellent climber and swimmer. Has quite powerful legs, making it one of the fastest wildcats.
- Ocelots are generally solitary animals. Diurnal activity is documented but mainly during cool winter days, in areas where prey may be diurnal, or in areas subject to little human disturbance. During the day, they rest in trees or other dense foliage.
- Ocelots hunting during the day are very secretive, keeping to areas of dense brush or other heavy cover.
