Jaguarundi
The Jaguarundi, also known as the otter cat, is a small, slender wild feline native to the Americas. Found across a vast range from northern Mexico to central Argentina, the jaguarundi is one of the most widely distributed small felids in the Western Hemisphere, second only to the puma. Despite its adaptability to various habitats, the jaguarundi remains elusive and rarely seen in the wild. Its long, low-slung body and short legs give it a unique appearance that sets it apart from other wildcats, making it one of the most intriguing felines in the Americas.
Meet the Jaguarundi
Classification
The jaguarundi is slightly larger than a domestic cat, with a head-body length ranging from 50.5 to 77 cm (20 to 30 inches) and a tail length of 33 to 60 cm (13 to 24 inches). Adults typically weigh between 4.5 to 9 kg (10 to 20 pounds), making them one of the smallest wildcats in the Americas.
Its slender and elongated body, combined with short legs, a small flattened head, and a long tail, gives it an appearance more reminiscent of an otter or a weasel than a typical feline. Its short, smooth coat is characterized by two main color morphs: a gray/dark phase and a reddish phase, with the latter sometimes referred to as the “eyra”.
Unlike spotted wild cats such as ocelots or margays, the jaguarundi lacks prominent markings, which helps it blend into its environment. These color variations are not tied to age, sex, or geography, and both morphs can occur within the same litter.
Where Does the Jaguarundi Live?
Biogeographic Realm: Nearctic, Neotropic
Continents: Americas
Subcontinents: Central America, South America, North America
Countries: United States, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador [Show all countries]
In the United States, present in: Texas
The jaguarundi is an exceptionally adaptable wild cat, found in a variety of environments across North, Central, and South America. It thrives in tropical rainforests, dry scrublands, savannas, semi-arid thorn scrub, and deciduous forests. Unlike many felids that prefer dense jungle habitats, the jaguarundi is often found in open or semi-open landscapes, especially near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Its range extends from northern Mexico through Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, down to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. It has also been spotted in the southern United States, particularly in Texas and Arizona, though it is extremely rare in these regions.
The jaguarundi can inhabit elevations up to 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), making it one of the few wildcats capable of living in both lowland rainforests and high-altitude cloud forests. It is also known to thrive in disturbed habitats, agricultural fields, and secondary forests, showing a greater tolerance for human-modified landscapes than many other wildcats.
What Do Jaguarundis Eat?
The jaguarundi is an opportunistic carnivore, preying on a wide variety of animals depending on availability. Its diet primarily consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Rodents such as mice, rats, and agoutis are among its favored prey, but it will also hunt rabbits, lizards, snakes, and even insects when necessary.
This wildcat is an adept climber and swimmer, giving it a unique advantage in hunting both terrestrial and arboreal prey. Unlike some small felines that strictly hunt on the ground, the jaguarundi has been observed chasing birds into trees or hunting fish and amphibians in shallow water. Its flexible diet and hunting techniques make it one of the most versatile predators in its ecosystem.
What Eats Jaguarundis? – Predators & Natural Enemies
Although the jaguarundi is a skilled predator, it is still vulnerable to larger carnivores in its environment. Its natural enemies include jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and large birds of prey such as harpy eagles and great horned owls, which may target young or inexperienced individuals.
However, its biggest threats come from human activities. Jaguarundis are sometimes killed by farmers who mistake them for poultry predators. They are also frequently hit by cars when crossing roads in fragmented habitats. Habitat destruction and deforestation are among the primary reasons for their population decline in certain regions.
Behavior & Lifestyle
Unlike most wildcats, which are nocturnal or crepuscular, the jaguarundi is primarily diurnal, meaning it is most active during the day. This behavior is unusual among felines and is thought to be an adaptation to avoid competition with larger nocturnal predators such as ocelots and pumas.
Jaguarundis are solitary animals, with each individual maintaining a large home range that may overlap with others. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, with up to 13 distinct calls documented, including whistles, chirps, growls, and purring sounds. These vocalizations help them maintain territory and interact during mating seasons.
Despite their elongated and weasel-like bodies, jaguarundis are highly agile climbers and adept swimmers, allowing them to escape predators and hunt a diverse range of prey. Their long tails help with balance, making them excellent jumpers and agile navigators of their forested and grassland habitats.
How Do Jaguarundis Reproduce?
Jaguarundis do not have a strict breeding season, as they can reproduce year-round, though peaks in births vary by region. After a gestation period of approximately 70 to 75 days, females give birth to litters of one to four kittens, usually in dense vegetation, hollow logs, or abandoned burrows to keep them hidden from predators.
The kittens are born blind and helpless, fully dependent on their mother for warmth and nourishment. By six weeks of age, they begin to explore their surroundings, and their mother introduces them to hunting techniques. By the time they reach six months old, they are typically independent and capable of hunting for themselves, though some may stay with their mother for a few more months before dispersing.
Are Jaguarundis Endangered? – Conservation Status & Threats
The jaguarundi is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning that it is not considered to be facing an immediate risk of extinction. However, populations are declining in many parts of its range due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and persecution.
One of the biggest threats to the jaguarundi is deforestation, as large portions of its native habitat are being cleared for agriculture, cattle ranching, and urban development. Road networks also pose a significant danger, as many jaguarundis are killed by vehicle collisions.
Another issue is human-wildlife conflict. Farmers sometimes shoot jaguarundis on sight, fearing that they may prey on poultry, even though their primary diet consists of rodents and small mammals. Illegal pet trade is another concern, as some individuals are captured and sold as exotic pets.
Despite being classified as Least Concern, conservationists emphasize the need for continued monitoring and habitat protection. Efforts to protect the jaguarundi include expanding nature reserves and wildlife corridors, implementing road-crossing structures to prevent vehicle collisions, and educating local communities about the ecological role of the species.
By safeguarding its habitat and promoting coexistence with human communities, conservationists hope to ensure that the jaguarundi continues to thrive in its natural environment for generations to come.
