Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), known locally as the Jaguarundi, is a unique wild cat species native to the Americas.
The habitat range of this cat extends from central Argentina in the south to the U.S.-Mexico border in the north, traversing Central and South America east of the Andes Mountains.
Jaguarundi.
They are approximately twice the size of a domestic cat, standing nearly 36 cm at the shoulder, with a head and body length ranging from 53 to 77 cm, a robust tail measuring 31 to 52 cm, and weighing between 3.5 to 7 kg. The fur coloration of this species is uniform, resembling its closest relative, the Cougar (Puma concolor), and distinctly differs from other cat species in the Americas. They have two color variants: gray (common) and red (less common).
The appearance of the Jaguarundi resembles that of weasel family members in various aspects, such as having a slender body, relatively short legs, a small and narrow head, small round ears, a short muzzle, and a long tail.
Jaguarundi typically live solitary or form pairs in the wild.
In the wild, this species inhabits diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests and deciduous forests to deserts and scrublands. They are relatively common in Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, but have become extinct in the United States. Jaguarundis usually live alone or in pairs in the wild, being more active during the day and primarily hunting in the daytime and evening. They are quite difficult to observe due to their secretive and cautious nature.
As excellent climbers, Jaguarundis typically prefer to hunt on the ground. They consume a variety of prey, especially ground-feeding birds, reptiles, rodents, and small mammals.
This species is fairly common in Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, but has become extinct in the United States.
These cats breed year-round. After a gestation period of 70 to 75 days, a litter of one to four kittens is born. Their lifespan can reach up to 15 years in captivity.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Jaguarundi is classified as Near Threatened, but populations are declining in many areas due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as being killed by farmers to protect poultry.
