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- Photo via Eric Kilby / Inaturalist.org -



Wild Costa Rica: the ocelot



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Published on Friday, September 29, 2023
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

 

The ocelot or "manigordo" (Leopardus pardalis) is a small to medium-sized wild cat native to Costa Rica and one of the six feline species found in the country. 


They are highly adaptable and can thrive in different environments. They are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, grasslands and thorn scrub.


In Costa Rica, a large number of specimens have been seen in untamed places such as National Parks and the Talamanca Mountain Range.


These wild cats have a wide distribution from South America to the southern United States, including Texas and Arizona.


Ocelots are medium-sized cats, with a length ranging from 28 to 35 inches and a tail length of about 12 to 18 inches. They typically weigh between 15 to 33 pounds (7 to 15 kilograms).


The wild cats have a distinctive coat with a yellow or tawny background covered in both solid and open rosette patterns. The coat helps them blend into various habitats.


These amazing cats are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Their keen sense of sight and hearing helps them navigate and hunt in low light conditions.


Ocelots are carnivores and have a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and sometimes fish. They are skilled hunters and use their agility and sharp claws to catch prey.







Female ocelots give birth to litters of one to three kittens after a gestation period of about 79 to 82 days. Kittens are born with closed eyes and a spotted coat, and they are dependent on their mother for several months.


They communicate using vocalizations such as meows, growls, and hisses. They also use scent marking to establish territory.


Although manigordos are not in danger of extinction in Costa Rica, they are protected by Wildlife Conservation Law No. 7,317, which outlaws hunting, trading them or possession of the animals.


They also face threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans.


The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies ocelots as a species of "Least Concern." However, some regional populations may face greater risks. 


Ocelots play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling the populations of small mammals and other prey species.


Observing ocelots in the wild can be challenging due to their elusive nature. Despite being relatively adaptable, their populations can be vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and human activities.


Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of these beautiful wild cats.


Another amazing native wild creature in Costa Rica is the pirate spider that tricks closely related orb weaver spiders into “walking the plank,” right to their doom.


The Wild Costa Rica page is a space for readers to discover more about the fascinating species that make the Pura Vida land one of the world's countries with the richest natural diversity.




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Where have you spotted any ocelots while in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com



  


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