Jaguarundi

    

Jaguarundi sitting in a tree

Photographed by Dreamstime Photography

     The Jaguarundi is a small wildcat with short, rounded ears. Its fur color can appear brown to dark brown and gray in color. They are sometimes called otter cats because of their short legs, slender bodies, and small flattened heads. They prefer lowland brush areas near water and dense tropical areas as their habitat. They are exceptional tree climbers and swimmers. Jaguarundis prey on fish, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are solitary animals except for during mating seasons. Jaguarundis are found in Arizona, Mexico, Texas, and Panama. These animals were said to be kept as pets by early settlers to control rodent population in villages and crops.
     Four out of the eight subspecies of Jaguarundi are currently listed as endangered; the Panamanian Jaguarundi, Guatemalan Jaguarundi, Gulf Coast Jaguarundi, and Sinaloan Jaguarundi. The species is rare and threatened mainly by hunting for their fur, accidentally caught in traps for other animals, and habitat loss.
     Recovery efforts are hampered by a lack of knowledge about the animal, its behavior, and its needs. A captive breeding program has began at the Desert Museum at the University of Arizona. The Jaguarundi is protected by the state of Texas, as well as by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which prohibits international trade in the species.

How to Help:
     Unfortunately, there are not many organizations that specifically focus on helping the Jaguarundi species, due to the lack of knowledge of its needs. However, many organizations, such as the Defenders of Wildlife, focus on helping a wide range of animals and species. You can donate to the cause to help raise money for game preserves and raise awareness for Jaguarundis.


Sources:
http://bigcatrescue.org/jaguarundi-facts/
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Jaguarundi.aspx