FEROCIOUS ANIMALS

The ocelot, the elegant little "jaguar" with sweet eyes

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a small and charming feline native to the American continent, particularly common in South America, Central America and Mexico.

This animal, also known as the dwarf jaguar, is characterized by its spotted fur and slender, graceful body, very similar in appearance an ad domestic cat.

In this photo gallery you can admire some of the most beautiful photos taken of this wonderful feline in different natural environments. Through the pictures you will notice the beauty of his coat and the gracefulness of his movements, but also the strength and skill that allow him to survive in the wild. Through the descriptions that accompany the photos you can learn more about the life and habits of this gentle jaguar and better understand the role the ocelot plays in the ecosystems of the American continent and the importance of its conservation.

Getty Images
The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
The ocelot is a feline with unique characteristics, widespread throughout America. This animal, also known as the dwarf jaguar, is characterized by spotted fur that gives it a distinctive and easily recognizable appearance. The ocelot's name comes from the word nahuatl "ocelotl", which means precisely "jaguar."
By João Carlos Medau - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30201858
Features
The ocelot is a medium-sized feline, ranging from 50 to 100 centimeters in length and weighing (as an adult) between 8 and 16 kilograms. Its fur is yellowish or grayish in color, with black or brown spots that give it a unique and easily recognizable appearance. Its legs are relatively long and slender, with retractable claws that enable it to climb trees with ease.
Getty Images
Habitat
The ocelot lives in a wide range of habitats, from rainforests to grasslands to mountainous and semi-arid areas. It feeds mainly on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, but can also hunt birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Di Greg Hume - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18060468
Enemies
This feline is in turn prey to larger animals, such as jaguars, pumas and spotted hyenas. It is a predominantly nocturnal animal, which only interacts with members of its own species during the mating season.
By Ana_Cotta - Gato do mato! Jaguatirica ( fotos), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index
Behavior
The ocelot is a solitary animal: the male establishes its own territory, which it vigorously defends against intruders. Communication between ocelots is mainly through the release of pheromones and the emission of guttural sounds, used to signal their presence and to attract partners.
By Mark Dumont - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30325399
Minimum risk species
The ocelot is currently classified as a "minimally endangered species" by IUCN, but many subspecies are threatened by habitat alteration, hunting, and illegal harvesting for the fur trade. In particular, the Brazilian ocelot and the Central American Leopardus pardalis albescens are considered endangered. Therefore, it is important to protect and conserve the natural habitat of these animals and ensure that illegal hunting and gathering practices are severely punished.
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