Mammals · Carnivora · Felidae

Jaguarundi

Herpailurus yagouaroundi

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

Its long body, short legs and long tail give it a striking resemblance to an otter or a weasel, which earned it the nickname 'otter cat' in Mexico. Unlike most cats, it is mainly active by day.

Weight

3.5 kg – 9.1 kg

Size

50.8 cm – 77 cm

Lifespan

11 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

RainforestTemperate forestDesertCarnivore Diurnal Solitary Feline Rainforest Temperate forest Desert Mammal

21countries 4parks39same family

Fun facts

Its long-bodied outline gives it a striking resemblance to an otter, hence the nickname 'otter cat'.
It is mainly active by day, unlike most cats.
It swims well and occasionally catches fish.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: A wide range of habitats across Central and South America: rainforest, dry forest, scrub and desert, usually near water
Birth weight: Exact weight at birth not found as a precise figure
Size at birth: Born with faint spots that fade with age
Sexual maturity: 2-3 years (some sources give 803 days for the female)
Gestation / incubation: 70-75 days
Litter / clutch size: 1 to 4 young per litter
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of up to 18.6-20 years in captivity