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Jaguarundi

Puma yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 1803)

Lifespan, longevity, and ageing

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Maximum longevity: 18.6 years (captivity) Observations: One captive specimen lived 18.6 years (Richard Weigl 2005).
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Conservation Status

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The pelts of jaguarundis are of poor quality, but jaguarundis are caught accidentally in traps meant for other animals. This does not affect the population numbers significantly. The major threats to jaguarundis are loss of suitable habitat and prey.

The IUCN Redlist classifies H. yaguarondi under least concern, meaning that they are widespread in their habitat. CITES lists only the populations of Central and North America in Appendix 1, classifying them as threatened with extinction. South American populations are included in Appendix II of CITES. Four of the eight subspecies of jaguarundis are included on the endangered list by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and are protected in this country. These subspecies are the four that inhabit Central and North America (H. yaguarondi cacomitli, H. yaguarondi fossata, H. yaguarondi panamensis, and H. yaguarondi tolteca).

To help protect jaguarundis, more information needs to be gathered on their natural history. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has outlined a plan to gain more information on the populations inhabiting Texas and Arizona. They hope to determine whether inbreeding is affecting the populations, what diseases might be present in the populations, as well as the effects that pesticide runoff is having. The Fish and Wildlife Service has also started to implement programs to protect the habitat of jaguarundis in the United States, particularly the corridors connecting small, isolated areas of habitat.

US Federal List: endangered

CITES: appendix i; appendix ii

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Jessica Rick, Michigan State University
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Associations

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The predation pressures that jaguarundis face as well as anti-predator adaptations are unknown.

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Morphology

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Superficially, jaguarundis resemble members of the family Mustelidae. This caused early German zoologists to refer to the species as the “weasel cat.” Compared to other small neotropical felids, jaguarundis have a more elongated body, smaller, more rounded ears, and shorter limbs relative to body size. They are unspotted. The species that most resembles jaguarundis is Prionailurus planiceps, commonly referred to as flat-headed cats. However, jaguarundis can be easily distinguished from this other species, and are slightly longer and heavier.

Jaguarundis are slightly larger than domesticated house cats. The head and body length may range from 505 to 770 mm. The tail is long, ranging from 330 to 600 mm. Shoulder height is approximately 350 mm, and the weight ranges from 4.5 to 9.0 kg. Males are slightly larger and heavier than females of the same population.

Two color morphs are present in H. yaguarondi. One is dark grayish-black, and the other is reddish in color. This caused the species to be originally classified as two separate species: “eyra” for the blackish coat and “jaguarundi” for the reddish coat. Local villagers sometimes refer to jaguarundis as “eyras.” Despite the differences in coat color, it has been determined that the two color morphs do mate, and litters are observed containing both. The coat is generally uniform in color, but may be slightly paler on the ventral side. Populations inhabiting tropical rainforests are generally darker and populations inhabiting dryer habitats are often paler than other populations. It has been hypothesized that the coats of jaguarundis get darker during the winter. Kittens are sometimes spotted at birth but lose their markings before adulthood.

Range mass: 4.5 to 9 kg.

Range length: 505 to 770 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry ; polymorphic

Sexual Dimorphism: male larger

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Life Expectancy

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It is not known what the lifespan of H. yaguarondi is in the wild. In captivity they have lived up to 15 years of age. In captivity the causes of death have included respiratory diseases, disorders of the urogenital system, cardiovascular disease, and diseases of the digestive system. There have also been reports of cancer, choking, and poisoning in captivity.

Range lifespan
Status: captivity:
15 (high) years.

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Habitat

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Herpailurus yaguarondi demonstrates habitat flexibility. These cats have been recorded in grasslands/savannas, shrub lands, tropical rainforest, tropical deciduous forest, dense chaparral, thickets, and scrubland. They are often sighted near water and may inhabit swamps and areas near streams, rivers and lakes. Jaguarundis are most often found in secondary vegetation but are also found in primary habitats, and have been sighted in forests near villages. They live up to an elevation of at least 3200 m.

Range elevation: sea level to 3200 m.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; tropical ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; chaparral ; forest ; rainforest ; scrub forest

Wetlands: swamp

Other Habitat Features: agricultural ; riparian

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Jessica Rick, Michigan State University
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Distribution

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The current range of jaguarundis is from southern Texas and Arizona to northern Argentina. Sightings in Arizona and Texas are often not well documented, thus the status of jaguarundis in these states is not well known. Sightings have also been reported in Florida. These sightings are most likely a result of a human introduced population.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Introduced , Native ); neotropical (Native )

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Jessica Rick, Michigan State University
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Barbara Lundrigan, Michigan State University
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Trophic Strategy

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Jaguarundis are carnivores and hunt a variety of small mammals, reptiles, birds, frogs, and fish. Besides animal matter, jaguarundis stomach contents often contain a small amount of plant material and arthropods. Birds are often the prey of choice and the jaguarundi diet usually includes junglefowl.

Mammals that are preyed upon: eastern cottontails, short-tailed cane mice, Brazilian guinea pigs, and spiny rats.

Reptiles: South American ground lizards, rainbow whiptails, and green iguanas.

Animal Foods: birds; mammals; amphibians; reptiles; fish; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods

Plant Foods: leaves

Primary Diet: carnivore (Eats terrestrial vertebrates)

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Jessica Rick, Michigan State University
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Associations

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Jaguarundis are predators of many small mammal species as well as reptiles, birds, frogs, and fish. Jaguarundis also compete for resources with other carnivores including margays, ocelots, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and mountain lions. However, jaguarundis avoid direct competition with margays and ocelots through their diurnal and terrestrial behavior.

Several known parasites use jaguarundis as hosts. These include several species of tapeworms, hookworms, and acanthocephalans.

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Benefits

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By preying upon rabbits, mice, and rats, jaguarundis help to control the populations of several agricultural pests.

Positive Impacts: controls pest population

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Jessica Rick, Michigan State University
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Benefits

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Jaguarundis often prey upon poultry and are considered a pest to villagers in rural Belize for this reason.

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Jessica Rick, Michigan State University
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Behavior

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Felids characteristically have well developed senses of sight, hearing, and smell. Jaguarundis have a larger vocal repertoire than other members of the family occupying the same range. Thirteen distinct calls have been reported in captivity including contact calls, greeting and attention calls, and warning signals. Mothers often call their kittens with a short purr and the kittens answer with repeated short peeps. When warning others to stay away, a jaguarundi will give a loud hiss and/or spit. Faint cries are given by a female to signal that she is in estrus. She also urinates to leave chemical signals that she is in heat. Other scent marking habits include urine spraying, head rubbing, and claw scraping. Behaviors such as flehmen, hind feet scraping, and neck rubbing have also been observed in captive jaguarundis.

Tactile communication occurs between a mother and her offspring, as well as between mates (males bite the necks of females during copulation). Visual signals, although not specifically reported in jaguarundis, are common in cats, and are likey to occur in this mainly diurnal species.

Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

Other Communication Modes: pheromones ; scent marks

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Jessica Rick, Michigan State University
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Reproduction

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Little is known about the mating system of jaguarundis. Recently, pairs have been sighted occupying a territory, and more than one pair may often occupy the same territory, but the reproductive significance of these associations is not known at this time.

Members of the family Felidae are generally polygamous.

Female jaguarundis reach sexual maturity at about two to three years of age. In most of its tropical range, H. yaguarondi has no definitive reproductive season, and breeding may occur year-round. In Mexico, the breeding season is reported to occur during November and December. Litters are often sighted during both March and August, but it is unknown whether a particular female produces more than one litter during the same year.

The estrous cycle lasts about 54 days, with the female showing signs of estrus for approximately three days. When in estrus, female jaguarundis will urinate in several locations around their territory, and give out faint cries. A female then rolls on her back as a sign of receptiveness. Mating is accompanied by loud screaming and during copulation the male bitesthe female on the neck.

Dens are typically constructed in hollow logs or dense thickets. Litters ranging in size from one to four kittens are born after a gestation period of 63 to 75 days. Approximately 21 days after birth, the mother starts bringing the kittens small amounts of food, and after 28 days the young are found venturing away from the den. Within 42 days, the kittens are able to eat by themselves. It is unknown how long jaguarundi kittens remain in their mother’s home range. However, in other small cat species, young may remain in the territory for up to one year, with females remaining longer than males.

Breeding interval: Jaguarundis breed during one, possibly two times per year.

Breeding season: Populations of jaguarundis in Mexico have a breeding season from November to December; elsewhere breeding occurs year-round.

Range number of offspring: 1 to 4.

Average number of offspring: 1.9.

Range gestation period: 63 to 75 days.

Range weaning age: 21 to 30 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 to 3 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous

Like most Felids, young jaguarundis are born deaf and blind. However, they are well furred and may be spotted at birth. It is the mother that provides the kittens with food and protection. Until the young can eat solid food, she nurses them. She brings them bits of food when they are between 21 and 30 days old. She also provides protection and will move the den when disturbed. Little is known regarding whether the male provides any protection or care to the kittens, but in most other felids the male plays no role in raising young.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; female parental care ; pre-fertilization (Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)

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Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Puma_yagouaroundi.html
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Jessica Rick, Michigan State University
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Biology

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In addition to its unique appearance, the jaguarundi differs from other small New World cats in many aspects of its biology and behaviour. Individuals travel widely in unusually large home ranges and are more terrestrial than many other species, though are also agile climbers (2) (3) (6) (7). The jaguarundi is also much more diurnal than most cats (3) (10) (11). The diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds and reptiles, as well as occasional amphibians, fish and larger mammals (2) (3) (4) (6). Arthropods and some fruit may also be taken (7) (10). The jaguarundi has been observed to jump up to two metres off the ground to swat at birds in the air (6). The breeding behaviour of the jaguarundi is less well known (6). It is believed to live either alone or in pairs (2) (3) (7), and may breed year-round in the tropics, although one or two distinct breeding seasons have been suggested for northern parts of the range (3) (7). The female gives birth to between one and four young after a gestation period of 70 to 75 days (3) (6) (8). The young are born in a den, typically located in a dense thicket, hollow tree, fallen log, or thick grassy clump (6) (7). Like the adult, the young usually lack spots, although some report the newborns to be dark-spotted (2) (4) (6). Young jaguarundis leave the den after about 28 days, reaching sexual maturity at around two to three years, and living for up to 15 years (3) (7) (8).
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Conservation

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The IUCN recommend that the status of the jaguarundi is regularly reviewed, as it may be more threatened than currently believed (1). The species is protected across most of its range, with hunting illegal in many countries (1) (8), and international trade is monitored and controlled under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (5). North and Central American populations are particularly at risk, with the jaguarundi now very rare or possibly even extinct in the USA, and also in Uruguay (8). The tighter CITES listing of the northern populations, on Appendix I, reflects the more threatened status (5). Jaguarundi numbers are expected to be relatively low even in protected areas, and further study into the species' ecology, biology and conservation status has been recommended in order to help protect this unusual cat (1).
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Description

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The jaguarundi is one of the most unusual of the New World cat species, being in appearance more like a weasel or otter than a cat. The body is long and slender, with short legs, a small, flattened head, short, rounded ears, and a long tail. Unlike many other small South American cats, the coat lacks spots, but the jaguarundi is probably the most variable in colour of all wild cats (2) (3) (4) (6). The species occurs in two main colour morphs: a dark morph, which is uniform black, brownish or grey in colour, sometimes slightly lighter on the underparts, and a paler red morph, which may vary from tawny yellow to bright chestnut red (2) (3) (6). Individual hairs tend to be lighter on the base and the tip, giving some individuals a grizzled appearance (7). The red morph was once considered a separate species, Felis eyra, but it is now known that individuals of both colours can occur in the same population and even in the same litter (6) (7) (8). In general, the dark morph is believed to be more common in rainforest habitats, and the paler morph in drier environments (2) (8). Owing to its weasel-like appearance, the dark morph jaguarundi is often mistaken for the tayra (Eira barbara), a large mustelid, but can be distinguished by the absence of the tayra's yellowish throat spot (2) (6) (7). The jaguarundi is quite a vocal cat, with at least 13 distinct calls recorded, including a purr, whistle, scream, chatter, yap, and a bird-like “chirp” (6) (7).
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Habitat

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The jaguarundi inhabits a broad range of both open and closed habitats, including rainforest, swamp and savanna woodland, savanna, thickets, and semi-arid thorn scrub. It may also occur in secondary vegetation and disturbed areas, but is thought to prefer areas with at least some dense ground cover (2) (6) (7) (8). A mainly lowland species, the jaguarundi can be found at elevations of up to 2,000 metres, though may occur at up to 3,200 metres in some areas (6) (7) (8).
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Range

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The jaguarundi has a wide distribution across North, Central and South America, from southern Texas in the United States, south as far as northern Argentina (1) (2) (6) (7). It has also been reported from Arizona (4) (7), but its status here remains unclear (7) (9), and the species may in fact now be extinct in the United States (1).
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Status

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Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1) and listed on Appendix I and Appendix II of CITES (5).
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Threats

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The largely diurnal behaviour and open habitats of the jaguarundi mean that it is often the most commonly seen cat within its range, leading to the mistaken belief that it is relatively abundant. Now believed to be much less common that previously thought, the species is undergoing a decline, largely as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation as savannas are converted for large-scale agriculture and pasture (1). Although more flexible in its habitat requirements than many other small cat species, and not commercially exploited for its pelt, the jaguarundi is a notorious predator on domestic poultry, and killing of jaguarundis to protect poultry is considered to have a major impact on its population (1) (6) (7) (8). It may also be caught in traps set for other, commercially valuable species (1) (8), and is thought to suffer from competition with the larger ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) (1).
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Jaguarundi

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The Jaguarundi is a small wild feline located in the southern part of the American continent, including southern Texas, Mexico, Central and South America. There is also rumored to be a small isolated population of jaguarondi in central Florida. The Jaguarundi is commonly called the "otter cat" due to its otter like appearance. The Jaguarundi has an elongated body with relatively short legs and round ears. The jaguarundi also has a long tale much like a panthers. The Jaguarundi ranges in colors from black to a light brown color. Adult Jaguarundi's have a solid color cote while younger jaguarundi's will have a small speckled or patterned coat. The Jaguarundi is a carnivore and eats small animals such as fish and birds.
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Jaguarundi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Thejaguarundi(Puma yagouaroundisyn.Herpailurus yagouaroundi), also calledeyra cat, is a small-sized wildcatnative toCentralandSouth America.

Jaguarundi

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The jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi; /ˌæɡwəˈrʌndi/[3][4] or /ˌʒæɡwəˈrʌndi/[5]) is a wild cat native to the Americas. Its range extends from central Argentina in the south to northern Mexico, through Central and South America east of the Andes. The jaguarundi is a medium-sized cat of slender build. Its coloration is uniform with two color morphs, gray and red. It has an elongated body, with relatively short legs, a small, narrow head, small, round ears, a short snout, and a long tail, resembling mustelids in these respects. It is about twice as large as a domestic cat (Felis catus), reaching nearly 360 mm (14 in) at the shoulder, and weighs 3.5–7 kg (7.7–15.4 lb).

Secretive and alert, the jaguarundi is typically solitary or forms pairs in the wild, though captive individuals are more gregarious. Unlike other sympatric cats such as the ocelot, the jaguarundi is more active during the day and hunts mainly during daytime and evening hours. Individuals live in large home ranges, and are sparsely distributed within a region. The jaguarundi is an efficient climber, but typically prefers hunting on ground. It feeds on various kinds of prey, especially ground-feeding birds, reptiles, rodents and small mammals. Mating occurs throughout the year, with peaks at different times of the year across the range. After a gestation period of 70 to 75 days, a litter of one to four kittens is born. Lifespans of up to 15 years have been recorded in captivity.

The jaguarundi inhabits a broad array of closed as well as open habitats ranging from tropical rainforests and deciduous forests to deserts and thorn scrubs. It is fairly common in Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, but may be locally extinct in the United States. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but populations are in decline in many parts of its range due to loss and fragmentation of habitat and persecution for killing poultry.

Etymology

The common name "jaguarundi" comes from the Old Guarani word yaguarundi, similar to the Old Tupi word yawaum'di, meaning "dark jaguar".[6][5][4][3] In some Spanish-speaking countries, the jaguarundi is also called gato colorado, gato moro, león brenero, leoncillo and tigrillo.[1] It is also called eyra, gato-mourisco, gato-preto, gato-vermelho and maracajá-preto in Brazilian Portuguese.[7][8]

Taxonomy

In 1803 Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire described two jaguarundi skins and skulls from unknown locations in Central America and proposed the scientific name Felis yagouarundi.[9] In the 19th and 20th centuries, several more zoological specimens were described:[10]

The generic name Herpailurus was proposed by Nikolai Severtzov in 1858 for the jaguarundi.[18] Later authors classified the jaguarundi in the genus Puma along with the cougar (P. concolor).[2] Phylogeographical analysis of jaguarundi samples from across its range found no genetic evidence for subspecies.[19] In 2017, the IUCN Cat Specialist Group revised felid taxonomy and recognises the jaguarundi as a monotypic taxon of the genus Herpailurus.[20]

Phylogeny and evolution

Lynx lineage

Lynx

Puma lineage Acinonyx

Acinonyx jubatus Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
(Cheetah)

Puma

Puma concolor Cougar (Puma concolor)
(Cougar)

Herpailurus

Herpailurus yagouaroundi Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
(Jaguarundi)

Domestic cat lineage

Felis

Leopard cat lineage

Otocolobus

Prionailurus

The Puma lineage of the family Felidae, depicted along with closely related genera[21]

The jaguarundi is most closely related to the cougar; the jaguarundi-cougar clade is sister to the cheetah.[22] These three species comprise the Puma lineage, one of the eight lineages of Felidae; the Puma lineage diverged from the rest 6.7 million years ago. The sister group of the Puma lineage is a clade of smaller Old World cats that includes the genera Felis, Otocolobus and Prionailurus.[21]

The three species of the Puma lineage may have had a common ancestor during the Miocene, about 8.25 million years ago.[23][24] Acinonyx possibly diverged from the lineage in the Americas;[25][26][27] some authors alternatively suggest that the cheetah diverged in the Old World.[28][29]

The Puma lineage appears to have migrated from Asia to North America after crossing the Bering Strait, arriving in South America via the Isthmus of Panama by the Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene. This was possibly followed by the bifurcation of the lineage into the cougar and Herpailurus (represented by H. pumoides) in South America around 4 to 3 million years ago between the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene. H. pumoides went extinct around Middle Pleistocene, around the time the modern jaguarundi came into existence; the oldest fossils of the modern jaguarundi date back to the Late Pleistocene in Brazil around 0.5 million years ago. The original North American cougars were extirpated during the Pleistocene extinctions around 10,000 years ago; North America was then recolonized by South American cougars and jaguarundis 10,000–8,000 years ago.[30][31][32] The extinct North American genus Miracinonyx is another member of this clade.[33]

Characteristics

Red morph
Gray morph

The jaguarundi is a medium-sized cat of slender build and uniform coloration that differs significantly from other neotropical cats — such as the small, spotted cats in the genus Leopardus — in its external appearance. This has been attributed to variations in its karyotype — the jaguarundi has 38 chromosomes, unlike the 36 in other small South American cats, and the chromosomal features resemble those of Old World cats such as the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).[34] In fact, the jaguarundi shows several features seen in mustelids such as otters and weasels — it has an elongated body with relatively short legs, a small, narrow head, small, round ears, a short snout and a long tail.[34][35][30][36] The head-and-body length is between 53 and 77 cm (21 and 30 in); the strong, muscular tail is 31–52 cm (12–20 in) long. Around twice as large as the domestic cat, the jaguarundi reaches nearly 36 cm (14 in) at the shoulder and weighs 3.5–7 kg (7.7–15.4 lb), though larger individuals weighing around 9 kg (19.8 lb) have been reported.[34][37] Males are slightly larger than females.[30]

The coat is uniformly colored with at most a few faint markings on the face and the belly, though kittens are spotted for a short duration. Black and white marks on the lips and the snout, similar to those of the cougar, can be clearly seen in juveniles and some adults. Two color morphs are known (though intermediate shades are also seen) — gray (blackish to brownish-gray fur with a grizzled look due to bright and dark rings on individual hairs) and red (foxy red to chestnut); earlier these morphs were considered two different species. Individuals of both colors can be born in the same litter.[34][38] Blackish brown individuals superficially resemble the tayra (Eira barbara), but the latter can be told apart by the clear, yellowish patch on the throat.[10] The red morph is seen more often in dry, open areas. Melanistic individuals have been reported, but the coat is not completely black; the head and the throat are clearly paler than the rest of the body.[35] The widely spaced ears are 2.5–4 cm (0.98–1.57 in) long without any spots on the back.[34][39] The jaguarundi has a total of 30 teeth; the dental formula is 3.1.3.13.1.2.1.[30]

Among felids, the jaguarundi is closely similar to the flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps), but has a longer body and proportionately longer legs, is heavier and lacks the dark markings on the cheeks of the flat-headed cat.[10] Tawny jaguarundis bear a similar coloration as the significantly larger cougar.[35]

The diploid number of chromosomes in jaguarundi is 2n=38. [40]

Distribution and habitat

The jaguarundi inhabits a wide variety of habitats, from tropical rainforests and deciduous forests to deserts and thorn scrubs. It can also be found in cloud forests, mangroves and savannas.[1][39] Unlike the sympatric margay, ocelot and oncilla, the jaguarundi can live in open areas as well. In open habitats the jaguarundi prefers areas with vegetative cover such as cacti, which would generally be difficult for potential predators to penetrate; there may be a few clearings at the periphery of such areas. Jaguarundis tend to stay close to a source of running water.[34][37][41] The jaguarundi is noted for its resistance to environmental disturbances in its habitat; it can thrive in reforested areas.[39] While commonly inhabiting elevations from lowlands up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level, this cat has been reported at altitudes as high as 3,200 m (10,500 ft) in Colombia.[1]

The range extends from central Argentina in the south to northern Mexico, through Central and South America east of the Andes — second only to the cougar in the latitudinal extent of its distribution. However, not all parts of its range have been studied well. The jaguarundi is fairly common in Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela.[42] It is possibly extirpated in the US;[1] a 1999 study refuted claims of sightings in Arizona.[43] The last confirmed sighting in the US was probably of a roadkilled individual near Brownsville, Texas in 1986.[42]

The occurrence of the jaguarundi in Florida has remained in doubt for decades, where they have been reported since 1907. They were allegedly introduced in the region by a writer from Chiefland who at some point imported the animals from their native habitat and released them near his hometown and in other locations across the state. W. T. Neill noted that jaguarundis occurred throughout peninsular Florida in the 1950s, but the numbers had plummeted by the late 1970s. Jaguarundis were also reported in the coastal area of Alabama in the 1980s, which may be evidence of the Florida population migrating northward.[44] The jaguarundi has also been recorded from Cerro Largo in Uruguay, where its presence was uncertain.[45]

Behavior and ecology

Jaguarundis are good climbers and can easily walk on branches

The jaguarundi is shy and reclusive, and apparently very cautious of traps.[44] There have been only a few radio telemetry studies of jaguarundis in Belize, Brazil and Mexico.[35] Though activity has been observed throughout the day and at night, jaguarundis seem to prefer hunting during daytime and evening hours; for instance, a study in Belize reported that jaguarundis started moving before dawn and remained active through most of the day till sunset with a peak in hunting from late morning to noon.[10][46] The cat appears to be more diurnal than most other cats, especially spotted cats that tend to be more active at night.[36][34] The jaguarundi can swim across medium-sized rivers; one in Bolivia was recorded swimming across the Tuichi River.[35] Jaguarundis are efficient climbers as well, but hunt mainly on ground; the coat color works as a good camouflage for terrestrial activity.[36] They can leap up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) into the air to catch birds.[34] Predators recorded for jaguarundis include boa constrictors, cougars and domestic dogs.[35] Parasites such as hookworms (Ancylostoma species), tapeworms (such as Spirometra and Toxocara species) and the lung fluke have been found in jaguarundis.[10]

Studies have mostly observed jaguarundis alone or in pairs; pairs could probably be formed between mothers and older kittens or between individuals of opposite sexes during the mating season. Individuals in captivity have been found to be more gregarious.[34] Home ranges tend to be large; a study in Brazil recorded home ranges 1.4–18 km2 (0.54–6.95 sq mi) in size for females, while those of males measured 8.5–25.3 km2 (3.3–9.8 sq mi) in area.[35] Two males in Belize were recorded to have exceptionally large home ranges spanning an area of 88 km2 (34 sq mi) and 100 km2 (39 sq mi), while the home range of a female in the same region measured 13–20 km2 (5.0–7.7 sq mi) in size.[36] Population densities are typically low, around 0.01 to 0.05/km2 (0.026 to 0.129/sq mi) in Brazil, though Tamaulipas (Mexico) and the Llanos in Costa Rica and Venezuela have recorded figures as high as 0.2/km2 (0.52/sq mi).[30][47]

Marking behavior could serve as a means of olfactory or visual communication among jaguarundis; individuals in captivity have been observed scraping areas with their hind feet (sometimes with urination), clawing on logs, rubbing objects with their heads and leaving feces uncovered. Social behavior such as grooming, growling and sniffing has been recorded. The jaguarundi has a broad vocal repertoire; 13 different calls have been recorded including chattering, purring, screaming, a 'wah-wah' call, whistling, yapping and a peculiar bird-like chirp. In captivity, females in estrus have been observed making faint sounds as they scent mark the area around their enclosures.[34][10]

Diet

Jaguarundis are generalist carnivores

The jaguarundi typically feed on small-sized prey weighing less than 1 kg (2.2 lb), including ground-feeding birds, reptiles, frogs, arthropods,[48] rodents and small mammals. Jaguarundis will also take larger prey such as domestic poultry, fish, marmosets, rabbits and opossums; a study recorded small deer (possibly carrion) in the diet. Vegetation such as grasses have also been recorded in their diet.[34][10][35][39] A study showed jaguarundis take 400 g (14 oz) vertebrate prey on an average every day.[10] The broad array of prey recorded for the jaguarundi across its range and varying proportions of different prey in its diet could indicate that the cat tends to feed on the most abundant and easily catchable prey in the area.[34]

Reproduction

Jaguarundis have been observed mating all year round, with peaks at different times of the year across the range; for instance, in Mexico breeding peaks in January and March. Estrus lasts three to five days, marked by the female regularly rolling onto her back and spraying urine. Sexually mature males will pursue the female, not reacting to any aggressive behavior from her side. As in many other felids, the male bites the fur on the female's neck on mounting; the female lets out a loud scream on penetration.[34][10]

After a gestation period of 70 to 75 days, a litter of one to four kittens is born in a den constructed in a dense thicket, hollow tree, or similar cover. The kittens are covered well with fur and the underside is marked with spots, which disappear as they age; the coat color gradually changes as the kittens grow older.[34][39] The mother starts bringing solid food for the kittens when they are around three weeks old, but they simply play with it until the mother ultimately ingests it. Kittens are capable of taking solid food like birds and guinea pigs at around six weeks. Jaguarundis become sexually mature at one to three years of age. Lifespan up to 15 years has been recorded in captivity.[34][36]

Threats and conservation

In the Děčín zoo, Czech Republic

The jaguarundi has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2002. Mexican populations, except those in the northeast, appear to be stable. The huge protected areas in the Amazon Basin are probably the only conservation units that can sustain long-term viable populations. IUCN Red List assessors noted that it should be listed as Near Threatened, but the data were not sufficient to extend this classification throughout the jaguarundi's range.[1] The jaguarundi is not particularly sought after for its fur due to its poor quality and low value, but it is suffering decline due to habitat loss.[36][37]

Other threats include risks of habitat fragmentation and persecution for killing poultry.[1] The North and Central American jaguarundi populations are listed in CITES Appendix I and all the other populations are listed in CITES Appendix II.[39] Populations in the US are protected under the Endangered Species Act;[2] the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has expressed concern that its presence in South Texas may be imperiled due to loss of the cat's native habitat.[49] Populations in Mexico are listed under the Mexican Official Norm NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.[50]

Hunting jaguarundi is restricted in Peru and banned in Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, United States, and Venezuela.[1]

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Jaguarundi: Brief Summary

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The jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi; /ˌdʒæɡwəˈrʌndi/ or /ˌʒæɡwəˈrʌndi/) is a wild cat native to the Americas. Its range extends from central Argentina in the south to northern Mexico, through Central and South America east of the Andes. The jaguarundi is a medium-sized cat of slender build. Its coloration is uniform with two color morphs, gray and red. It has an elongated body, with relatively short legs, a small, narrow head, small, round ears, a short snout, and a long tail, resembling mustelids in these respects. It is about twice as large as a domestic cat (Felis catus), reaching nearly 360 mm (14 in) at the shoulder, and weighs 3.5–7 kg (7.7–15.4 lb).

Secretive and alert, the jaguarundi is typically solitary or forms pairs in the wild, though captive individuals are more gregarious. Unlike other sympatric cats such as the ocelot, the jaguarundi is more active during the day and hunts mainly during daytime and evening hours. Individuals live in large home ranges, and are sparsely distributed within a region. The jaguarundi is an efficient climber, but typically prefers hunting on ground. It feeds on various kinds of prey, especially ground-feeding birds, reptiles, rodents and small mammals. Mating occurs throughout the year, with peaks at different times of the year across the range. After a gestation period of 70 to 75 days, a litter of one to four kittens is born. Lifespans of up to 15 years have been recorded in captivity.

The jaguarundi inhabits a broad array of closed as well as open habitats ranging from tropical rainforests and deciduous forests to deserts and thorn scrubs. It is fairly common in Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, but may be locally extinct in the United States. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but populations are in decline in many parts of its range due to loss and fragmentation of habitat and persecution for killing poultry.

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