Once found on the whole territory of Central and South Americas, Ocelots have almost been extirpated in the United States. This wild cat with a beautiful coat and good hunting skills is considered endangered. This means that the Ocelot Cat cannot be hunted and exported. The species should receive protection support on the local and federal level.
Ocelots - Cats - History
Ocelots have always been hunted for their wonderful pelts. Looking back at the history of the species, one will see that the Ocelot Cat was extensively hunted at the times of the Aztecs. Yet, if primitive weapons could not harm the species drastically, the guns of the modern civilization turned out to be destructive for this wild cat.
In the 1960-70s, more than 200,000 species per year were killed for pelts. This figure is much greater than the number of other wild cats killed. In 1972, the Ocelot was listed as endangered. No hunting or trade is allowed anymore. Though fur trade has been eliminated in the United States, it is still a threat for the species due to absence of necessary laws in other countries.
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Ocelots - Cats - Threats
Ocelots suffer greatly from habitat loss. Though these wild felines can easily adapt to human proximity, they do poorly without good ground cover to hide while traveling and hunting. The original habitat of the Ocelot Cat (dense brush) is being converted due to agribusiness and urban growth.
Moreover, Ocelots have a very long gestation period. Many of the young cats die during the first months of their life. Taking into consideration rapid habitat loss, it is not hard to imagine that Ocelots will hardly be able to survive without special conservation programs.
Ocelots - Cats - Conservation Links
A Jungle Expedition in Northern Mexico - Information on Ocelot projects.
Brazilian Ocelot Consortium - Caribbean Gardens is one of 10 members of the Brazilian Ocelot Consortium. The Ocelot is endangered throughout its natural range within the southern U.S. and Latin America.
Cat Specialist Group - Ocelot - Gives alternate common names for the species and tells of its population and protection status. Cites scientific references.
CatSurvivalTrust: Ocelot - Description, distribution, diet, behavior, reproduction, and conservation status of the Ocelot cat.
Defenders of Wildlife - Ocelots - Reports on the road dangers facing the very small remnant population of Ocelots in Texas. Read of possible solutions.
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Fort Worth Zoo - Conservation - General information on the Ocelot.
Great Cats of Texas: Ocelot - Appearance, distribution and habitat, diet, reproduction, and population status.
International Conservation Partnership for the Ocelot- The Ocelot has long garnered America's attention, in past years because of the beauty and desirability of its fur and, more recently, doe to its status as the last spotted cat surviving (just barely) on American soil.
Mammals of Texas - Ocelot - Read of the beautiful cat almost completely wiped out in Texas.
New Program to Save Ocelots Spans the U.S.-Mexican Border - Once common across southern Texas, Ocelots have almost vanished.
Ocelot - Oakland Zoo - Describes this cat that lives throughout the Americas. Details its diet, life cycle, and status in the wild.
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) - Key facts, subspecies list, and conservation status of this feline. Includes photos.
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) Facts - Range and habitat, physical appearance, diet, reproduction and social behavior, and threats.
Ocelot Conservation - The Ocelot conservation story is filled with irony.
Ocelot Conservation Project - Paria Springs Trust is a non-profit company whose aim is conservation and provides the "Eco" component of the Paria Springs Project, which is an ecotourism project based on the Caribbean island of Trinidad.
Ocelot Fact Sheet - Map shows where the Ocelot occurs and where it is protected. Sums up zoo programs efforts to conserve the species and lists scientific references.
Ocelot Facts - Hunted in the past by the Aztecs for its beautiful fur, the Ocelot today faces an uncertain future, due to degradation of its habitat, illegal hunting, and the continuing fur trade. PDF file.
Ocelot Information - Profiles the Ocelot and offers pictures to view.
Ocelot Research - Details of this Ocelot project.
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Wild Cats of The World
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Ocelots Profile - Includes general information about Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), as well as specific information about their existence in the United States, with a focus on what can be done to help.
Predators: Ocelot - Overview and pictures for Ocelots.
Rainforest Resources: Ocelots - About twice the size as an average housecat, the Ocelot's stature and markings make it unique.
SchoolWorld Endangered Species Project: Ocelots - Description, environment, problems, and solutions.
Wildlife: Ocelots - Offers information on endangered species status, and more.
Wildlife Advocacy Project - Ocelot and Jaguarundi - Learn of a conservation project attempting to force US anti-immigration efforts in Texas to consider the effects on the local wildlife, especially wild cats.
Woodland Park Zoo - Ocelot - Details the life cycle, natural history, and population status of the wild cat.
