Ocelot
Since 2002,
Oregon Zoo has been working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums'
Brazilian Ocelot Consortium and the government of Brazil to play a
role in the ocelot's survival. It was determined several years ago
that North American zoos' ocelot population should be replaced by a
genetically defined subspecies -- the Brazilian ocelot. Oregon
Zoo is one of 10 U.S. zoos involved with the consortium.
Oregon Zoo's
ocelots belong
to the southern Brazilian species of ocelot, Leopardus
pardalis mitis, which inhabits the tropical and subtropical forests
of southern Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.
Meet Alice and
Ralph, two of the zoo's ocelots.
Just
the Facts About Ocelots
common
name
Ocelot
scientific
name
Felis
(Leopardus) pardalis
size
Males
are slightly larger than females. Weight ranges from 20 to 40 pounds. Head
and body length ranges from 21 to 40 inches, tail length ranges from
11 to 18 inches. Height can be up to 18 inches.
adaptations/coloration
The ocelot
has a single, white spot on the back of each ear and some white markings
around its eyes and mouth. Two black
lines run the length of either side of its face and the tail is marked
with black bands. Fur is short and close, marked with both rosettes and
spots that tend to run in parallel chains along the sides of the body.
Excellent climber and swimmer. Has quite powerful legs, making it one
of the fastest wildcats.
behavior
Primarily
nocturnal cats, ocelots are generally solitary animals. Diurnal activity
is documented but mainly during cool winter days, in
areas where prey may be diurnal, or in areas subject to little human
disturbance. During the day, they rest in trees or other dense foliage,
and will occasionally share their spot with another ocelot of the same
gender. Ocelots hunting during the day are very secretive, keeping to
areas of dense brush or other heavy cover. They tend to be solitary except
when mating or in the case of a female with cubs. Ocelots are not known
to have any migratory patterns. Male ocelots confine themselves to a
range of about seven square miles, while females inhabit smaller areas
of about 4 square miles. A male's home range usually overlaps that of
several females. Vocalization: meows.
reproduction/lifespan
Estrous
cycle can be anytime during the year. Gestation: 79-85 days. Litter
size ranges from one to three cubs. Reach
sexual maturity at 18-24 months; Lifespan: 7-10 years in the wild; 20
years in captivity.
diet
Carnivore.
In the wild: most prey taken weighs less than 1-3 percent of an ocelot's
body weight and includes small mammals, fish, deer, reptiles
and birds. At the zoo: carnivore diet and enrichment/training treats
such as rodents.
habitat/range
Found
in Arizona, Texas and every country south of the United States, except
Chile. Occupies a wide spectrum of habitats, including
mangrove forests and coastal marshes, savanna grasslands and pastures,
thorn scrub, and tropical forests of all types.
status
CITES
Appendix I; Endangered.
oregon zoo exhibit
Ocelot Exhibit
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