What makes the ocelot unique

Ocelots are carnivores, so their main diet consists of small mammals, rodents, and birds, though they occasionally eat fish, lizards, and monkeys. In the wild, their lifespan can be as long as years. The ocelot certainly is an intriguing animal, and the following facts will make you want to learn more about these unique cats.

Though these cats have been spotted in states like Texas and Arkansas, they are typically indigenous to the rainforests of Central and South America. The lush, tree-lined canopies and warm climate are ideal for the ocelot and provide the perfect habitat to suit its nomadic, solitary lifestyle. They often travel at night, which is also their most active time for hunting and tracking.

They may roam as far as 2 miles in search of food. Despite the above average rainfall and abundance of large predators, ocelots thrive in this type of environment.

Examples of artwork in parts of Peru show that ancient peoples once worshipped and celebrated this special cat. The Moche people, in particular, who were renowned artisans and craftsmen, showed depictions of the ocelot in metal work and murals.

No two ocelots have the same markings on their fur. Their spots, which are sometimes referred to as rosettes, are dark brown to black and the fur underneath is usually a golden tan or light yellowy brown. When ocelots are first born, their eyes are blue and they appear more dark grey in color, but as they grow, their spots and markings begin to take on a more defined, trademark look. Sadly, ocelots are hunted for the fur trade, which has resulted in a decline in ocelot populations in certain regions.

Ocelots are primarily carnivores. Their large teeth and paws, as well as keen vision and ability to move fast, make them adaptable to hunt a variety of prey. In general, they hunt rabbits, rodents, and birds. They are known to remove all the fur and feathers off their prey before ingesting them.

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Although ocelot is placed under protection, its number rises slowly because of the habitat loss. Ocelot is listed as endangered species.

Interesting Ocelot Facts: Ocelot is two times bigger than domestic cat. It can reach 28 to 35 inches in length and between 24 and 35 pounds of weight. Males are bigger than females. Length of a tail measures half of the body size. Ocelots have beautiful fur which is the reason why people hunt them. Color of the fur is usually tawny, yellow or brown-grayish, covered with black rosettes and stripes. Ocelot The ocelot or dwarf leopard is found in every South American country apart from Chile and as far north as Mexico and Texas.

Zoo animals. Ocelots like to live in areas with thick plant cover.