Ocelot Leopardus pardalis

The Ocelot is native to Mexico, Central and South America. It is also called the Dwarf Leopard.

The Ocelot is the largest of the genus Leopardus, which covers several similar small, spotted, wild cats from Central and South America such as the Margay.

Larger than a domestic cat, its coat is sandier in colour than the Margay (and Asia's Snow Leopard). Male and female have a similar appearance.

The Ocelot is generally solitary and mainly nocturnal. It climbs and swims well. Prey is diverse.

In many areas it is threatened by deforestation and hunting for its pelts.