The Ocelot: Interesting Facts About this Wildcat
The ocelot is found in Mexico as well as Central and South America.
Ocelots are mostly solitary animals. They are somewhat nocturnal although they do sometimes hunt during the day.
Ocelots are very territorial and may fight to the death.
The ocelot is a carnivore. Its diet consists of fish, birds, snakes, rodents, monkeys and other small mammals.
An ocelot weighs 20 to 35 pounds, is 38 to 60 inches long and stands 16 to 20 inches tall. Males are slightly larger than females. Their characteristic markings include black rings on the tail, two stripes on the cheeks and white markings around the eyes and mouth. They also have a single white spot on the back of each ear. The beautiful coat of the ocelot is a mixture of stripes and spots or more accurately, blotches. The coat of the ocelot may vary in color ranging from pale yellow to tawny to reddish grey. The underside is white.
Ocelots are good swimmers and excellent climbers. They have powerful legs and are one of the fastest wildcats.
The average lifespan of the ocelot is 7 to 10 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.
Ocelots like to rest in trees and although they are solitary and territorial animals they have been known to share their resting spots with other ocelots.
Ocelots are now legally protected. The species is listed as endangered.
The biggest threats to the ocelot population is deforestation and habitat destruction.
Ocelots reach sexual maturity between 18 to 24 months.
Ocelots can mate any time year round. Females give birth to 1 to 4 kittens after a gestation period of 79 to 85 days. By the time the kittens are 8 months old they can hunt but they may remain with their mother up to the age of 2 years. Unfortunately ocelot young have a high mortality rate. Ocelots also have a slow growth rate which factor into the low and declining population of this species.
Ocelots do not have teeth made for chewing. They have pointed fang-like teeth used to kill prey. Their sharp back teeth are scissor-like and allow them to tear prey apart. Once torn apart they swallow their food whole.
Sources:
www.thejunglestore.com
www.sandiegozoo.com
www.bigcatrescue.org
Published by Darlene Zagata
Darlene is a professional writer specializing in health and pet care. She is the author of two books and a contributing author to several anthologies. Her interests include the study of ancient civilizations... View profile
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- Ocelots are good swimmers and excellent climbers.
- The average lifespan of the ocelot is 7 to 10 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.
- The species is listed as endangered.
40 Comments
Post a Commenti thought they would be stupied they are very cute......................
aww there so cute im don a science project on them!
get a life. k bye
Ocelots r so cute!!!!!!!!! i am doin the ocelot 4 mi english oral!!!!!!
.. well this is awkward.
Ugh im in the middle of class doing a project on endagerd species er what ever : im really bord right nao so i wrote this hope you had a fun time readin this...filthy tea bagger....
Thats what she said when you didnt satisfy her. ^-^
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the ocelots are SOO cute i cant believe they are being driven into possible extintcion. And there is so much we could all do to help but there is also so many people who dont care once so ever.
never mind u guys are not gay. none of you only the one who said you suck
you people are all guy as hell. but not who ever wrote the above.