Ocelot

Leopardus pardalis

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Carnivora · Felidae

About

The ocelot is a medium-sized spotted wild cat that reaches 40–50 cm (16–20 in) at the shoulders and weighs between 7 and 15.5 kg 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.

Fun Fact

Ocelots have beautiful chain-like rosettes on their fur that are unique to each individual, and they were so heavily hunted for their pelts that by the 1980s a single ocelot coat required the skins of 12 animals.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical forests and scrublands

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

10-13 years

Threats

Habitat Fragmentation
Illegal Logging

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

More Mammals Species

Abbott's Duiker EN Abbott's Gibbon EN Addax CR African Elephant EN African Forest Elephant CR African Wild Ass CR

Browse all Mammals →