onças

Onças, also known as jaguarundis, are small to medium-sized wild cats native to the Americas. They are characterized by their short legs, long tail, and distinctive black "V" marking on their chest. Onças are solitary animals, known for their stealth and agility, which they use to hunt a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and small mammals. They are found in a range of habitats, from dense forests to grasslands, and are particularly well-adapted to life in the understory of the rainforest.

The onça is the national animal of Brazil and is also a symbol of strength and courage in many South American cultures. Despite their small size, onças are powerful predators, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves. They are also known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of hisses, growls, and chattering sounds.

Onças are currently listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations have declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as hunting and trapping. Conservation efforts are underway to protect onça habitats and ensure the survival of this iconic species.