Ocelot

This small, slender cat (Leopardus pardalis) was once hunted for its beautiful coat but is now internationally protected. It remains a great attraction in zoos. It is solitary and hunts at night over a range of about 18 square km, taking mostly small mammals (deer, rabbits and rodents), reptiles and amphibians, including lizards, frogs, turtles and crabs. It can swim well and will catch fish. The ocelot will also climb trees to hunt for birds and sleep in the lower branches.

Although they are territorial cats, a male's territory will frequently overlap a female's. Kittens are born throughout the year and raised in a den by their mother. Unusually for a big cat, she is provided with food by the male while suckling her young.