Mammals
Ocelot
Leopardus pardalisConservation statusLeast Concern
DietRodents, lizards, frogs and birds
Lifespan8-13 years
Size and weightAbout 8-15 kg
A wild cat twice the size of a house cat. It has long spots and black stripes on a yellow-brown coat.
Spot pattern
What makes it specialEvery ocelot has its own spot pattern. Researchers use it alone to tell individuals apart on cameras in the forest.
Surprising factOne of the few cats that swim by choice.
PopulationAbout 800,000 to 1.5 million individuals across the continent.
Active almost only at night, along the riverbanks