Jaguarundi
From Costa Rica Travel Guide: Vacation and Travel tips
Jaguarundis in Costa Rica
Jaguarundi can be found from northern Argentina to the southwestern part of the United States. Their habitat is mostly in lowlands, but as high as 10,000ft; but they seem to prefer areas covered with low or undersized shrubs or trees, close to streams, than deep into large regions of wet forest.
An adult jaguarundi weighs approximately 11 lbs and is about 26 inches in length. The jaguarundi is a small slender cat (weasel- like) with short legs and an unusually flattened forehead and small ears. It has a blackish, brownish, grayish, or reddish coat. Because the jaguarundi varies in color so considerably, it was once listed as two separate species until the early twentieth century. Jaguarundis are regularly confused with other species such as the tayra (part of the weasel family) as well as the gray fox.
The jaguarundi is the most commonly seen wildcat, perhaps because unlike all the other Costa Rican cats, the jauarundi is mostly active during the day. It is an adequate climber and will climb trees when pursued, or occasionally, to acquire food. Typically, this cat forages on the ground.
The diet of a jagarundi consists of small rodents, lizards, birds, iguanas, lizards and arthropods. Studies have shown it will also eat opossums, small monkeys, leaves, and various fruits.
For seemingly no apparent reason, the jaguarundi has a wide range, even larger than that of the jaguar. For a small cat, they can cover great distances, sometimes wondering four to six miles a day. Adults never settle in any one place permanently. Considering this cat does not have a special diet, this seems quite peculiar that they would have such a wide range. It is thought that the competition with other carnivores may be a factor.
The gestation period for a jagarundi is approximately two and half months, which will produce one to four kittens. They leave the den in a few months and reach sexual maturity at about two years.
The jaguarundi has never been hunted for its pelt like the margay and ocelot. It also seems to adapt and adjust to disturbed habitats, enabling it to maintain a viable population. The other Costa Rican cats don’t seem t fare as well as the jaguarundi. However, this cat is still killed by game hunters and poultry farmers.
