March 23rd 2010

Here's another new Red Data Animal! Today we introduce the Ocelot, or in scientific terms, the Leopardus pardalis. The Ocelot is a wildcat distributed over South and Central America and Mexico, but has been reported as far north as Arkansas and in Trinidad, in the Caribbean. North of Mexico, it is only found regularly in the extreme southern part of Texas, although there are rare sightings in Southern Arizona. It was often valued for making coats, and was hunted for their fur. The feline was classified a "vulnerable" endangered species from 1972 until 1996, but is now rated "least concern" by the 2008 IUCN Red List.The Ocelot measures up to 1 m (3'2") in length, plus 45 cm (1'6") tail length, and weighs 11.5–16 kg (25–35 pounds),[8] making it the largest of the generally dainty Leopardus wild cat genus. It will fight fiercely, sometimes to the death, in territorial disputes.Ocelots hunt over a range of 18 km2 (7 sq mi), taking mostly small mammals (deer, various rodents), reptiles and amphibians (lizards, turtles and frogs), crab, birds and fish.[9] Almost all of the prey that the Ocelot hunts is far smaller than itself. Studies suggest that it follows and finds prey via odor trails, but the Ocelot also has very good vision, including night vision. The white rings around the Ocelot's eyes help to reflect extra light into the eye at night.