Jaguarundi

Identification

The jaguarundi is a distinctly slender, medium-sized wild cat with an elongated body and relatively short legs that give it a mustelid-like appearance. About twice the size of a domestic cat, it reaches nearly 360 mm (14 inches) at the shoulder and weighs between 3.5 and 7 kg (7.7 to 15.4 pounds). Its most striking feature is its uniform coloration, which exists in two color morphs: gray and red. The cat has a small, narrow head with small, round ears, a short snout, and a notably long tail—characteristics that set it apart from other neotropical cats such as the spotted species in the genus Leopardus.

Range & Habitat

The jaguarundi is native to the Americas, ranging from central Argentina in the south through much of South America east of the Andes, Central America, and into northern Mexico. It historically occurred in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas as recently as the early 1990s but is now believed to be extirpated from the United States. The species inhabits a remarkably broad array of both closed and open habitats, from tropical rainforests and deciduous forests to deserts and thorn scrubs.

The jaguarundi is fairly common in Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. However, populations are in decline across much of its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as persecution for killing poultry, though it remains listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.

Behaviour & Diet

Secretive and alert, the jaguarundi is typically solitary or forms pairs in the wild, living in large home ranges where individuals are sparsely distributed. Unlike other sympatric cats such as the ocelot, the jaguarundi is notably more active during the day, hunting mainly during daytime and evening hours. Though an efficient climber, it typically prefers hunting on the ground, feeding on various kinds of prey including ground-feeding birds, reptiles, rodents, and small mammals.

Mating occurs throughout the year with peaks at different times across the species' range. After a gestation period of 70 to 75 days, females give birth to litters of one to four kittens. In captivity, jaguarundis have been recorded living up to 15 years, and captive individuals are notably more gregarious than their wild counterparts.

Best Time & Places to See It

Travellers seeking the jaguarundi should focus on Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela, where the species is fairly common. The cat's preference for daytime and evening hunting makes it more likely to be spotted than other felids active primarily at night. However, its secretive nature, sparse distribution, and large home ranges mean sightings remain challenging. The species' broad habitat tolerance means it may be encountered in diverse environments, from rainforests to more open scrublands.

Photography Tips

Photographing a jaguarundi requires patience and an understanding of its diurnal hunting habits. Position yourself during daytime and evening hours when the cat is most active. The uniform coloration of either gray or red morphs, combined with the animal's slender build and distinctive long tail, provides striking photographic subjects. The cat's small round ears and elongated body shape are key identifying features worth capturing. Given the species' preference for ground hunting and relatively open habitats within its range, ground-level or low-angle shots may prove most effective for wildlife photographers.