Ocelot Pictures, Information and Facts
In comparison to other species of wild cats the Ocelot is quite
small.
It measures between 3 to 5 feet
and it weighs anywhere between 20-35 pounds.
The Ocelot has a fine, sleek coat. The colors range from yellow
to a reddish brown with markings spotted
and striped in black. They have black rings on their tails and
their bellies are white with markings in black.
The Ocelots territory is Mexico, Central
and South America, Arizona and Texas.
Unfortunately, due to the excessive hunting of this fine animal, the Ocelot
is now on the endangered species list. In Texas their numbers barely
exceed one hundred.
In Central and South America their numbers are in danger due to the
destruction and deforestation of the forests.
Ocelots mate every one or two years. One or two kittens are born after a
gestation period of 85 days. When the kittens are about 3 months old they
will start hunting with their mother. They prey on rodents, lizards, snakes,
fish and crabs.
After a year the kittens are on their own. Although, in some cases, the kittens
are allowed to stay close to home for an additional year.
For more information or to volunteer to save the Ocelot contact
the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. (956)748-3607
The refuge, home to the endangered Ocelot, supports a diversity of wildlife
unlike anywhere else in the world.
- The life span of the Ocelot is 7-10 years. In captivity 20 years.
- Ocelots do not avoid water and swim very well.
- The Ocelot is considered one of the rarest cats in America.
- Markings on the Ocelot are unique, no two Ocelots are the same.
Ocelot Information
- Where ocelot’s live: The ocelot lives primarily in Mexico, but also can be found in Central and South America. This animal has been spotted in Southern Texas and Arizona, as well as around Trinidad in the Caribbean.
- What ocelots eat: Hunting and eating mainly small mammals, reptiles, birds and fish, ocelots are thought to hunt primarily through the sense of smell. The biggest prey an ocelot will hunt are rabbits and opossums.
- Family structure: When ocelots give birth, usually every other year, it is to just one kitten. Rarely that number can rise to two or three. The kitten, or kittens, are born blind and only have a thin covering of hair.
Growing slowly, as compared to other small cats, the kittens will not open its eyes for at least 15 to 18 days. And even though the kitten remains with its mother for up to two years, it will begin to venture out of the den at three months.
- Habitat: Ocelots are very territorial, fighting to the death in some cases when it feels that its territory has been violated. Ocelots are also nocturnal and inhabit scrubland and forests alike. This animal likes to rest in trees or dense foliage during the day. Unlike domestic cats, Ocelots climb down out of trees backward, as opposed to head first.
Preferring dense vegetative cover, ocelots also occasionally hunt out in open areas during the night. In addition to living in normal tropical forests and thorn forest habitats, this species can also be found living in mangrove swamps and savannas. Ocelots generally can be found in elevations ranging up to 3,900 feet.
- Endangered status: Ocelots are listed as endangered, according to the Endangered Species Act. This animal is also listed in Appendix I on CITES.
You must have a permit to import ocelots to the U.S. Several U.S. zoos have ocelots among their population. Of particular concern are the ocelots located in Southern Texas. With its habitat areas being spaced so far apart, the ocelots that migrate to Southern Texas run the risk of death by being hit by cars on the highways it must cross to reach them the area. Texas authorities are working on a program to hopefully fix this situation.
Physical Characteristics
Ranging in size from 37 inches to 57 inches in length from head to tail tip, ocelots typically weigh between 18 to 40 pounds. Its fur is sleek and smooth, varying from cream to a reddish-brown in coloration. It is also sometimes gray and covered in black rosettes. Many times, the spots on the back of the ocelot blend together, forming irregular, curved stripes and bands. The fur of the ocelot is short and paler than the rest of the coat beneath it. This animal also has two black stripes running the length of each side of the face. Its tail is banded by black.
The ocelot’s ears are rounded and marked with a single white spot on the back. Similar in appearance to the oncilla and margay, which inhabit the same areas, ocelots are larger and have large front paws.
Superior Night Vision
Ocelots have very good vision and hearing. The animal can see much better in the dark compared to humans because of a special layer on the inside of the eye that collects light. This night vision helps the ocelot when they stalk prey, and coupled with its acute sense of smell makes it a formable hunter.
Ocelots as Pets
Sometimes humans keep ocelots as pets. Some famous personalities who had ocelots as pets include Salvador Dali (who had a pet ocelot named Babou) and the musician Gram Parsons (who kept an ocelot as a pet during his teens at his Florida home). Ocelots, among other animals, were also worshipped by the Moche people of ancient Peru and are often found in their artwork.sh