ocelots

Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) are medium-sized wild cats native to the Americas. Their range extends from southern Texas in the United States to northern Argentina, and they occupy a broad array of habitats, including tropical forests, mangroves, swamps, grasslands, and semi-arid regions. They tend to favor areas with dense cover near water and abundant prey.

Physically, ocelots have short fur that is yellow to reddish-brown with black rosettes and spots; the chest and belly are paler. They are agile climbers and swimmers. Body length is roughly 40–100 cm, with a tail of 25–45 cm; adults typically weigh 8–15 kg.

Behavior and diet: Ocelots are primarily solitary and nocturnal or crepuscular. They mark territories and hunt by stalking prey, then pounce. Their diet is varied and includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. They may take larger prey opportunistically.

Reproduction and life history: Females give birth to litters of one to four offspring after a gestation of about 79–85 days. Conception may occur multiple times in a year. Juveniles remain with the mother for several months before dispersing. In the wild, lifespans are typically around 7–12 years; in captivity, they can exceed 15 years.

Status and threats: The IUCN Red List classifies the ocelot as Least Concern, with a wide but patchy distribution and a generally stable population. Nonetheless, habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching for fur and the illegal pet trade threaten local populations in parts of its range. Protected areas and legal protections exist in many countries.