What is a Jaguarondi?

Despite the similarities of their names, the wild cat called the jaguarondi (Puma yagouaroundi) is not closely related to the jaguar. The two share much of the same range, and their names both derive from a word in the Guarani language that means “carnivorous animal.” As a member of the genus Puma, the jaguarondi is closer to the mountain lion, also called the cougar or puma. A common distant ancestor of the jaguarondi and the mountain lion probably made its way over from Eurasia by way of the Bering Land Bridge. Jaguarondis live in South and Central America, and up through Mexico and southern Texas.

Though the jaguarondi is about the size of a hefty house cat, it would not be mistaken for one. It’s around three to four and a half feet (91-157 cm) long including its flattened tail, and its frame is lower and wider than a house cat’s. Its ears are not pointed, but round, like a lion’s. In some areas of its habitat, the jaguarondi is called “leoncillo,” Spanish for little lion.

Another regional nickname for the jaguarondi, the otter cat, suggests a trait atypical of felines: it swims, and does so without hesitation. Its long, low-slung carriage and short fur, both useful for moving underwater, cause the jaguarondi to look much like an otter. The outline of the jaguarondi altogether resembles members of the weasel and otter family, the mustelids, more closely than it does other cats. Though the legs of the jaguarondi are short, it is a fast runner and can go for up to a mile without stopping. Unlike most cats, it chases rather than stalks its prey. The jaguarondi spends most of its time on the ground, but it can climb trees, and, unusually for a cat, it will eat fruit. Its primary source of food, however, is small mammals like rabbits and mice.

The jaguarondi’s habitat consists of dense forests, and it rarely comes out into the open. Because it is so elusive, information about the jaguarondi is difficult to obtain. Much of what is known about it comes from historical reports. For a long time, biologists considered one of the color variations of the jaguarondi, the red, a separate species called the eyra. However, both the red and the gray variations are the same, and a litter of cubs may contain members of both colors. The coat of the adult jaguarondi is uniform, with no stripes, spots, or other mottling.

Jaguarondis live alone, except while courting a mate. Their speed and agility, their preference for dense vegetation, as well as their tendency to hunt early in the morning and at night, insures that people seldom see them. Nevertheless, destruction of their habitat is reducing the numbers of jaguarondis in the wild. The United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) places the jaguarondi populations of Central and North America within Appendix I, their list of the most endangered animals. The South American jaguarondis, listed within Appendix II, are considered threatened but not in imminent danger of extinction.

A Jaguarondi is a small wild cat native to Central and South America. It inhabits a range of habitats from arid regions to dense rainforests. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Jaguarondis are also occasionally spotted in the southern United States, particularly in Texas.

The Jaguarondi has a unique appearance compared to other wild cats, with a slender body, short legs, a small, flattened head, and an elongated tail. Its coat can vary from black or brownish-grey to reddish-brown, which is quite different from the spotted or striped patterns seen in many other feline species.

Jaguarondis are carnivorous and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. Their hunting strategy involves both stalking and pouncing on prey, as well as foraging on the ground, which is somewhat atypical for arboreal or tree-dwelling cats.

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the Jaguarondi is classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, their populations are affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, which could potentially lead to declines if not properly managed and conserved.

Jaguarondis are known for their diurnal and crepuscular activity patterns, meaning they are active during the day and at twilight. They are solitary animals, except during mating season or when females are raising young. These cats are also known for their swimming abilities and their unusual vocalizations, which resemble bird calls.

Jaguarondis mate throughout the year, with a gestation period of about 70-75 days. Females typically give birth to a litter of one to four kittens. The young are raised by the mother in a den and are dependent on her for several months before becoming independent and establishing their own territories.