Ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis )
Ocelot - Ocelot information - Ocelot facts
Leopardus pardalis can be found in the United States and in South America. There it can inhabit various areas including forests and grasslands. It has got greyish fur with dark spots and short hair. It is 40 inches long and about 20 inches tall with the weight of 37 pounds. Understandably the females are smaller than the males.
The ocelots feed on mammals, monkeys, lizards, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, fish and even birds. They usually hunt in pairs and at night. Climbing trees and swimming in the water is not a problem for them. Their territory is marked with their specific scent and excrements.
The breeding generally occurs from September to November and the gestation lasts about 2-3 months. Small young are dark at the beginning, but as time goes by their fur gets lighter. An average life span lasts approximately 15 years. The ocelots belong to the endangered species as there is a huge demand for their beautiful fur.
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