Jaguarundi

(Herpailurus yaguarondi)

Date of Listing: Endangered, 1976

© Photo courtesy Gary Halvorsen, USFWS

Jaguarundis move in a quick weasel-like manner. Their coat is a solid color; either rusty-brown or charcoal gray. Jaguarundis hunt during early morning and evening. They hunt mostly on the ground, but also climb trees easily. Jaguarundis have been seen springing into the air to capture prey. Historical accounts from Mexico suggest that Jaguarundis are also good swimmers and enter the water freely. They are solitary (live alone) except during the mating season of November and December.

Note: Special thanks to the photographers for providing images of Texas endangered and threatened plants. All rights to these images are reserved. Educational use permitted.

Jaguarundis are endangered because the dense brush that provides habitat has been cleared for farming or for the growth of cities. Jaguarundis still exist in Mexico, but they are now very rare in Texas. People in the Lower Rio Grande Valley are working together to plant native shrubs and restore habitat for the Jaguarundi, Ocelot, migrating songbirds, and other animals.

Size:

Slightly larger than a domestic cat (8-16 lbs.)

Diet:

Birds, rabbits, and small rodents.

Habitat (where it lives):

Dense, thorny shrublands.

Range (where found in Texas):

South Texas Brush Country and Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Life Span:

16 to 22 years in captivity.

Reproduction:

2 to 4 kittens born once or twice a year.

Population Numbers:

Unknown

Interesting Fact:

Jaguarundis are active mainly at night, but also move around during the day, often going to water to drink at midday.

For more information: Black-footed Ferret: The Mammals of Texas - Online Edition