Ocelot

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a species of cat native to South America, Central America, Mexico, the southwestern United States, and the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Margarita. It is a medium-sized cat with a head-and-body length of 55 to 100cm and a 30 to 45cm long tail. Its fur is marked with black markings on its yellowish, reddish gray background color, alongside with a few dark stripes that runs straight to the neck up to the tip of the tail. The neck and undersides are white, and the insides of the legs are marked with a few horizontal streaks. The ears are round and is marked with a bright white spot. Its fur is short, which is about 0.8cm long on the belly and 1cm long guard hairs on the back. Each ocelot has a unique color, which is used to identify individuals. Its eyes are brown, but reflect in a golden hue when illuminated. The ocelot has 28 to 30 teeth. It weighs between 7 to 15.5kg for males and 7 to 12kg for females. It is easily confused with the margay and the oncilla. However, the ocelot is noticeably larger and has a shorter tail. While all three have rosettes on their coats, the ocelot has a more blotched pattern. Ocelots are usually active during twilight and at night, and tends to be solitary and territorial. It is efficient at climbing, swimming, and jumping. It usually preys on small mammals, such as armadillos, lagomorphs, and opossums.