OCELOT

CHARACTERISTICS: Nocturnal feline which may reach between 55cm and one metre in length, plus the tail which can reach up to 45cm. It weighs between 8 and 16 Kg. It presents colouring that is a combination of dark stripes and rosettes on a yellowish background. Very similar to the margay, although the ocelot is larger.
DIET: Small and medium-sized mammals; such as possums, monkeys, bats... As well as reptiles (young caiman, lizards and snakes) and turtle eggs. They hunt birds and can fish.
REPRODUCTION: The mothers have between one and four pups per birth. It is estimated that they breed every two years. The gestation period is between 70 to 85 days.
CURIOSITIES: Much persecuted, like all other felines, as its skin is very valuable. Its tail serves to maintain balance. They are very territorial animals, and confrontations can lead to death. Like other wild cats it has occasionally been kept as a pet, to wit Salvador Dali’s famous ocelot.