Ocelot

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a medium-sized spotted wild cat native to the Americas. Its coat has dark rosettes and stripes, and it is mainly active at night.

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Leopardus: A genus of small and medium-sized wild cats native to the Americas. The ocelot is the largest living member of this American cat genus.
Ocelot conservation: Efforts to protect ocelots, their populations, and the habitats they need to survive. Conservation programs address shrinking habitat, vehicle collisions, and population isolation.
Margay: A small American wild cat adapted to climbing and hunting in forest canopies. The margay is smaller and more arboreal, while the ocelot is larger and more often terrestrial.
Ocelot population genetics: The study of genetic variation and relatedness among ocelot populations. Genetic data can show whether isolated populations retain enough diversity for long-term persistence.
Felidae: The biological family comprising cats, including domestic cats and wild species. The ocelot shares the cat family's retractile claws and specialized carnivorous anatomy.
Wildlife corridor: A strip of habitat connecting otherwise separated areas used by wildlife. Connected habitat lets ocelots move between territories and reduces isolation of populations.
Geoffroy's cat: A small spotted wild cat found in parts of southern South America. Geoffroy's cat is generally smaller and has a more southerly range than the ocelot.
Ocelot home range: The area an individual ocelot regularly uses for feeding, shelter, and movement. Home-range estimates help identify the amount and connectivity of habitat populations require.
Ocelot coat: The ocelot's patterned fur, marked by dark spots, stripes, and rosettes on a tawny ground. Its distinctive pattern helps distinguish the species and breaks up its outline in vegetation.
Habitat fragmentation: The division of continuous habitat into smaller, separated patches. Fragmented landscapes restrict ocelot movement and expose animals to roads and development.