Jaguarundi+Rita+Sharma

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Rita Sharma December 13, 2009 Ecology pd. 3

__Jaguarundi__ A.  General Information // a.  // The scientific name the Jaguarundi goes by is Herpailurus //yaguarondi// // b.  // The appearance of the Jaguarundi is unlike any other cat but most similar to that of an otter or weasel, given the nickname “Otter Cat”. The color of their fur ranges from dark grey or brown to a red chestnut color. The pigment of the fur depends on the habitat the animal is living in. Normally a Jaguarundi living in a darker shaded forest will have a darker coat of fur, and vice versa for a lighter coat. They have dark brown eyes, and a small head with ears like an otter. They also are born with spots but after 3 to 4 months the spots are lost. Their bodies are low and supported by short legs. It has a body measurement of 30 inches and a tail of about 20 inches in measurement alone. Weighing from about 8 to 16 pounds. // c.  // The Jaguarundi is native to Central America and northern and central countries in South America ranging all the way down to Argentina.

B. Detailed Description a.  A Jaguarundi’s life span is about 15 years. A birthing amount varies from 1 to 4 kittens. The gestation period is approximately 70 days. The maturity age of a kitten is about 22 to 24 months of age. b.  The Jaguarundi is a consumer. They are primarily found near some type of water source because there main diet is fish. Since they have long claws they are excellent fishers. Their diet also contains birds which play a big part, small mammals, rodents, reptiles, quail, frogs, armadillos, and domestic poultry. Therefore making the Jaguarundi a carnivorous animal. c.  The Jaguarundi is a diurnal hunter. Meaning it hunts more during daylight hours. It has also been noted that the Jaguarundi is becoming more of a crepuscular hunter. Meaning it hunts more during dusk or dawn. Some of the reasons the Jaguarundi has been successful in surviving in its new habitats is because they are a solitary hunter and they can also climb trees allowing them to reach their prey easier. Despite their climbing abilities the Jaguarundi is also a terrestrial hunter. C.  Habitat a.  A Jaguarundi is more native to Central America. b.  Its natural habitat is found no higher than 6500 feet in elevation. It is found more in a lowlands area ranging from open to closed habitats. Some different habitats include a dry, scrub, swamp area to a savannah to a primary forest. The determinant of what the habitat will be for a Jaguarundi depends on adaptability and suitability. Out of all felines the Jaguarundi is the most adaptable. c.  The environmental conditions consist of a shaded forest for protection, and a moister hot/warm environment. A Jaguarundi is not suited to survive a cold environment that is why they are now found in areas such as New Mexico, Texas, and Florida where there is a warmer climate. D.  Distribution a.  The Jaguarundi is believed to have been spotted in areas such as New Mexico, Florida, Arizona, and Texas. It is also believed to have traveled here from a population of escaped pets from the 1940’s. They were used by villagers to keep rodents, and small infestation animals away. b.  Sightings of these animals were first seen in 1993 in Texas. They were believed to have red fur so therefore mistaken for an Eyra another feline species. Some were then held captive, studied and given their own genus name. c.  Sightings of this feline range from areas such as Mexico, Texas, and New Mexico, South east Arizona, and Florida. E. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Impacts a. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> As far as effects on the ecosystem the Jaguarundi does have a big impact. The Jaguarundi is known to hunt domestic poultry and raid farms. That’s why they have become a nuisance to farmers, and their land. Their biggest threat is habitat destruction and human encroachment. b. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> The Jaguarundi has fur that is not seen as very valuable but they are constantly getting caught in traps used to trap valuable animals. Because of these traps the Jaguarundi has now become an endangered species of the United States. F. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Control a. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Currently the Jaguarundi has been so unseen and hard to be monitored there is not much being done to control their population. There are no programs or hunters interested in wiping out this animals existence. Despite the fact that there are no efforts in harming this animal they have become an endangered species.