Ocelot

Scientific Name: leopardus pardalis

Order: Carnivora (carnivores)

Family: Felidae (cats)

Conservation Status

About

An ocelot is two times the size of an average housecat. Their coats have very distinct markings and a variety of unique patterns. Although ocelots are considered terrestrial, they are avid climbers and will ascend through trees. The cat is mostly nocturnal and very territorial. Their keen senses of hearing and good vision allow it to hunt in the nighttime. Instead of chewing its food the ocelot uses its blade-like teeth to tear the meat into pieces and swallow it whole. Like a domestic cat, its raspy tongue can successfully clean every piece of meat from a bone. Ocelots sometimes become the prey of harpy eagles, jaguars, and anacondas.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Trail of the Jaguar exhibit, adjacent to the barn

Arrived at EPZ: Mateo - 05/2016

Habitat & Range
Once found throughout the southern U.S., ocelots are only found in extreme southern Texas and northeast Mexico. They can also be found in every country south of the USA except Chile. They live in areas with thick vegetation.
Identification
The ocelot has a light yellow to reddish gray coat, with a white belly. Black or dark brown spots cover its body in all different patterns. Two stripes run across its cheeks and often its ringed tail.
Diet
Rodents, rabbits, young deer, birds, snakes, and fish. Ocelots are nocturnal, resting in trees or dense brush during the day. They are avid travelers, walking anywhere from 1-5 miles each night to hunt.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Mating occurs anytime of the year. The gestation period lasts approximately 80 days. Typically, one kitten is produced during pregnancy. Ocelots can live 7-10 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.
Fantastic Fact
The word "ocelot" comes from the Aztec word "tlalocelot," which means field tiger.

Ocelot

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact