Ocelot Facts.
posted in Big Cats |
Males are slightly larger than females. Weight ranges from 20 to 40 pounds. Head and body length ranges from 21 to 40 inches, tail length ranges from 11 to 18 inches. Height can be up to 18 inches.
The ocelot has a single, white spot on the back of each ear and some white markings around its eyes and mouth. Two black lines run the length of either side of its face and the tail is marked with black bands. Fur is short and close, marked with both rosettes and spots that tend to run in parallel chains along the sides of the body. Excellent climber and swimmer. Has quite powerful legs, making it one of the fastest wildcats.
Primarily nocturnal cats, ocelots are generally solitary animals. Diurnal activity is documented but mainly during cool winter days, in areas where prey may be diurnal, or in areas subject to little human disturbance. During the day, they rest in trees or other dense foliage, and will occasionally share their spot with another ocelot of the same gender. Ocelots hunting during the day are very secretive, keeping to areas of dense brush or other heavy cover. They tend to be solitary except when mating or in the case of a female with cubs. Ocelots are not known to have any migratory patterns. Male ocelots confine themselves to a range of about seven square miles, while females inhabit smaller areas of about 4 square miles. A male’s home range usually overlaps that of several females. Vocalization: meows.
Estrous cycle can be anytime during the year. Gestation: 79-85 days. Litter size ranges from one to three cubs. Reach sexual maturity at 18-24 months; Lifespan: 7-10 years in the wild; 20 years in captivity.
Carnivore. In the wild: most prey taken weighs less than 1-3 percent of an ocelot’s body weight and includes small mammals, fish, deer, reptiles and birds. At the zoo: carnivore diet and enrichment/training treats such as rodents.
Found in Arizona, Texas and every country south of the United States, except Chile. Occupies a wide spectrum of habitats, including mangrove forests and coastal marshes, savanna grasslands and pastures, thorn scrub, and tropical forests of all types.
Thanks to oregonzoo.org
