Ocelot
Scientific Name: Leopardus pardalis
DID YOU KNOW?
- The ocelot is the largest member of its genus and is instantly recognised by its striking coat of spots, rosettes, and stripes. Each ocelot has a completely unique pattern, much like a fingerprint.
- Ocelots have a sharp sense of smell and great eyesight. They use their nose to track prey and to tell if another ocelot has marked its territory.
- They are mostly solitary and territorial, with males holding larger ranges that may overlap with several females. These cats are most often found below 1,200 metres, though they have been recorded at elevations up to 3,800 metres.
EVERY SPECIES COUNT
Ocelots were nearly wiped out by the 1980s due to habitat loss and the fur trade. Their decline helped spark the creation of CITES in 1975 to protect endangered species. Since then, hunting has decreased, and their population has recovered, with an estimated 1.5 to 3 million ocelots in the wild by 1996.
Curious to Learn More?
Reach out to our Education Team at education@emiratespark.ae we’re happy to share more wild facts!
HOW LONG DO I LIVE?
7 – 10 years (in natural range)
up to 21 years (with care)
WHERE DO I LIVE?
I’m most commonly found in Central America, but my range stretches from the southeastern United States,like Texas and Arizona, all the way down to northern Argentina.
WHAT KIND OF EATER AM I?
Carnivore
WHAT’S ON MY MENU?
My primary diet consists of terrestrial animals such as birds, reptiles, and mammals. However, I do feast on aquatic animals as well such as fish, mullosks, and aquatic crustaceans.
HOW MUCH DO I WEIGH?
8.5 – 16 kg
