ocelot

Also known as dwarf leopard, Leopardus pardalis, ocelots

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a medium-sized spotted wild cat that reaches at the shoulders and weighs between on average. It is native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Margarita. Carl Linnaeus scientifically described it in 1758. Two subspecies are recognized.

AI overview

The ocelot is a medium-sized spotted wild cat native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Margarita. It matters as a notable member of the wild cat family that has been scientifically recognized since Carl Linnaeus first described it in 1758.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Least Concern

虎貓（學名Leopardus pardalis），又名美洲豹貓，是產於南美、中美和墨西哥以及美國最南端、加勒比地區的野生貓科動物。體長可達100厘米，尾長45厘米，體重10-15千克，是虎貓屬中體型最大的一種。同屬的小斑虎貓和長尾虎貓與其外表相近，分布於同一地區。虎貓的皮毛接近美洲豹，因此被遭到大量的捕殺，面臨生存的威脅。

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Mass: 13.5
Image: Ocelot 01.jpg

Show 7 more facts

taxon name: Leopardus pardalis
Commons category: Leopardus pardalis
Commons gallery: Leopardus pardalis
taxon common name: Ocelot
gestation period: 77
litter size: 1.5
longest observed lifespan: 28.2

Sources (4)

via Wikidata · CC0

~21 min read

Article

16 sections

Contents

Etymology
Taxonomy
Subspecies
Phylogeny
Characteristics
Distribution and habitat
Ecology and behavior
Hunting and diet
Reproduction and life cycle
Threats
Conservation
In Texas
In captivity
In culture
References
External links

The ocelot is efficient at climbing, leaping and swimming. It prefers areas close to water sources with dense vegetation cover and high prey availability. It preys on small terrestrial mammals, such as armadilloes, opossums, and lagomorphs. It is typically active during twilight and at night and tends to be solitary and territorial. Both sexes become sexually mature at around two years of age and can breed throughout the year; peak mating season varies geographically. After a gestation period of two to three months, the female gives birth to a litter of one to three kittens. They stay with their mother for up to two years, after which they leave to establish their own home ranges.