Gulf Coast jaguarundi
Gulf Coast jaguarundi | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Carnivora |
Suborder: | Feliformia |
Family: | Felidae |
Subfamily: | Felinae |
Genus: | Herpailurus |
Species: | H. yagouaroundi |
Population: | Gulf Coast jaguarundi |
Synonyms[1] | |
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The Gulf Coast jaguarundi is an endangered population of the
Since 2017, this population is no longer recognised as a jaguarundi subspecies.[2]
Description
This cat is larger than a normal domestic cat, but smaller than a cougar. It has been compared to a weasel and otter. Their fur is of a dark-brown or grayish color because they reside in low-light areas such as forests and thick shrubs.[3][4]
Distribution and habitat
The Gulf Coast jaguarundi ranges from southern
It inhabits the
Habitat loss is the main reason for the increase in mortality for the jaguarundi. Not enough information has been gathered about the jaguarundi, and because these animals are not widely studied their significance is unclear.[10]
Ecology
Reproduction
Mating season for the jaguarundi is believed to be in the months of November and December.[3] A female jaguarundi's pregnancy cycle, or gestation period, lasts about 70–75 days. At the time of birth, the female will have anywhere between 1–4 kittens, each weighing 4–7 kilograms.[3][11] Like their relative, the cougar, the kittens between the ages of 0 and 12 weeks will have spots on their coats; however, around month 3 or 4, the kittens' spots are lost.[12] At 6 weeks of age, the cats will begin eating solid foods, usually rodents. Shortly after, they leave their mothers, and within 2–3 years, achieve sexual maturity.[11][13] Their life expectancy is very impressive, ranging from 16–22 years in captivity. In the wild, its longevity is approximately 10–15 years, a feat most attributable to their well-protected den.[4][11]
Diet
The jaguarundi has a carnivorous diet. The animals they hunt tend to be relatively small animals. Small mammals, birds, frogs, and fish are a few of the wide variety of prey that the jaguarundi feeds on. These cats may have adapted to eating a wide variety of animal because of the scarcity of food.[14]
Threats
The Southwestern Association of Naturalists, an organization of 791 scientists (at time of publication) specializing in the
Conservation efforts
The
References
- ^ "Puma yagouaroundi cacomitli (Berlandier, 1859)". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
- Wikidata Q121865466.
- ^ hdl:2152/31891.
- ^ a b "Gulf Coast Jaguarundi". University of Arizona.
- ^ a b "Puma yagouaroundi cacomitli". NatureServe Explorer. NatureServe. Retrieved 2009-01-01.
- ^ a b Campbell, Linda (2003). "Endangered and Threatened Animals of Texas" (PDF). Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
- ^ a b "Gulf Coast jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi cacomitli)". Environmental Conservation Online System. United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
- . Retrieved 15 January 2022.
- Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2007-12-05. Retrieved 2009-01-01.
- ^ "Jaguarundi: Herpailuras yagouaroundi ESA status: endangered" (PDF). WildEarth Guardians: A Force for Nature. 2010.
- ^ a b c "Jaguarundi Facts". Big Cat Rescue. 15 July 2023.
- ^ "The Florida Jaguarundi". T4 Studios. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016.
- ^ "Jaguarundi". The Jungle Store. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
- ^ Rick, J. 2004. "Puma yagouaroundi" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 24, 2014 here Archived 2003-08-21 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Southwestern Association of Naturalists (SWAN) 2008. Resolution on the US -Mexico Border Fence.
- .
- ISBN 978-0-544-37327-3.
- ^ a b "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Recovery Plan for the Gulf Coast Jaguarundi". United States Fish and Wildlife Service. January 6, 2014. 79 FR 661.
- ^ "Gulf Coast Jaguarundi Recovery Plan" (PDF). United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2013. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
External links
- Data related to Puma yagouaroundi cacomitli at Wikispecies
- Scientific American Extinction Countdown
- US Fish & Wildlife Service