AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Leopardus pardalis
Ocelot
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Medium-sized feline with a distinctive coat of elongated spots and rosettes.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
ManigordoTigrillo
Painted leopard
Gato-maracajáTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carnivora
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Felidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Leopardus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Found in tropical rainforests, mangroves, and dense thorn scrubs.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly nocturnal and terrestrial, although it is an excellent climber and swimmer.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary; uses urine and feces markings to delimit its territory.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Intermediate predator that controls populations of rodents and other small vertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Low reproductive rate; females usually have a single cub every two years.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
70.0 - 100.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
7.00 kg - 15.50 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
18 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
79 - 85
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males12 - 15 Years
Females12 - 15 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male is slightly larger and heavier than the female.
Females Multi-lang
The female has a smaller territory and cares for the cubs.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its ankles can rotate to allow it to climb down trees head-first.
Extremely sharp hearing and night vision, adapted for hunting in the darkness of the understory.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Illegal fur trade in the past; today the greatest threat is habitat loss.
Habitat fragmentation and roadkills on highways near protected areas.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The name ocelot comes from the Nahuatl word 'océlotl', which means jaguar.
Unlike many other cats, ocelots are not bothered by water and are very good swimmers.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
