Connect with us

Animals

Jaguarundi: The little wildcat that looks like an otter and has 13 ways of 'talking'

Published

5m ago

on

/ 9281 Views

Name: Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi or Herpailurus yagouaroundi)

Where it lives: Mexico down to central Argentina

What it eats: Reptiles, birds, frogs and fish

Why it's awesome: Not all predatory wildcats roar; a small feline called the jaguarundi uses at least 13 calls, including purring, whistling and chirping like a bird.

Native to the Americas, jaguarundis have some unusual features — slender, elongated bodies; short legs; and small, flattened heads with rounded ears — making them look more like otters or weasels than cats. They live in lowland areas with dense vegetation to hide in, including in scrublands, swamps and forests.

Despite its name, the jaguarundi isn't closely related to jaguars or even to other small Central American wildcats. In fact, genetic analysis shows it is more similar to the puma, or mountain lion (Puma concolor), despite the jaguarundi having a different physical appearance — including being much smaller in size. This is why recent studies use the scientific name Puma yagouaroundi, instead of its original genus, Herpailurus.

Related: Male jaguar rivals pair up for years in unexpected bromances

Trending