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Jaguarondi Facts

Jaguarondi Facts
Jaguarondi (jaguarundi) is a species of wild cat that resembles large otter in appearance. Because of that, it is also known as otter cat. Jaguarondi lives in Southern parts of North America, Mexico and South America. There are 8 subspecies of jaguarondi that can be found in wide variety of habitats: tropical rainforests, savannas, semi-arid areas, woodlands and swamps. Number of jaguarondis in the wild is decreased for several reasons. Farmers kill jaguarondis because they hunt and feed on their poultry. Jaguarondis often end up trapped in the nets set for other animals. Finally, habitat loss greatly reduces number of jaguarondis in the wild. Despite all this, jaguarondis are not listed as endangered species.
Interesting Jaguarondi Facts:
Jaguarondi is a small cat. It can reach 12 inches in height at the shoulder, 21 to 30 inches in length and 10 to 20 pounds of weight.
Body of jaguarondi is covered with uniformly colored fur. Depending on the habitat, color of the fur can be reddish, grayish or black to brownish. Animals that live in dense forests have darker fur.
Jaguarondi has long and slender body, small head, short legs and tail that is long almost as the whole body.
Unlike many other South American cats, jaguarondi spends majority of time on the ground, usually in dense vegetation or heavy bushes.
Jaguarondi is a good climber and it climbs the trees when it needs to take a rest.
Jaguarondi is also a good swimmer and it usually lives in habitats which provide enough water.
Jaguarondi is mainly diurnal (active during the day) animal. It travels large distances every day in the search for food.
Jaguarondi is a carnivore (meat-eater). It eats fish, frogs, birds, small mammals, lizards and other reptiles.
Jaguarondi can jump 6.5 feet in the air to catch a flying bird.
Jaguarondi is a solitary and territorial creature. Males occupy territory of 45 to 56 miles. Females require smaller territory, usually between 8 to 11 miles.
When two territories (of a male and female) overlap, animals begin to live in pair.
Jaguarondis are very vocal animals. They produce 13 different sounds for communication. They are able to purr, whistle, scream, chatter, yap or to produce a bird-like "chirp".
Jaguarondis mate usually twice each year. Pregnancy lasts 70 to 75 days and ends with one to four cubs. Female gives birth in hidden dens in the hollow trees, fallen logs or dense vegetation.
Cubs are born with spotted fur. Spots will disappear when cubs reach the age of 3 months. Cubs will become proficient hunters at the age of 10 months. Solitary life starts at the age of 22 to 24 months. Sexual maturity will be reached at the age of 2 or 3 years.
Jaguarondi can survive 12 to 15 years in the wild and between 20 and 23 in captivity.


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