Ocelots (leopardus pardalis) were once a common feature of the Texan landscape. But a number of threats including car strikes, urbanization and habitat loss have sharply reduced their numbers. Texas ocelots may now number fewer than 100. Texas A&M University is seeking to change that.
According to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times the school’s Kingsville campus has broken ground on a new research center designed to help the beleaguered cats.
The university says the 30,000 square foot center will take a year to complete and cost around $20 million. Research on Texas ocelots will be its primary focus, but it will be able be able to handle ocelot veterinary needs. It will also provide outreach and education. It is not expected to be open to the public. Texas A&M has several ocelot study efforts ongoing.
Like many cats ocelots can be quite common in some areas and facing local extinction in others.
According to Britannica:
“Frequently maintained in captivity, the ocelot is one of the most commonly seen of the spotted cats. However, because they have long been hunted for their skins, they can be rare in many areas. In fact, the ocelot population is declining throughout most of its range, and one scrubland subspecies, the Texas ocelot (F. p. albescens), is endangered. The hunting of ocelots and the trading of their pelts are prohibited in the United States and most other countries in the animal’s range.” (links in original.)
The margay and the oncilla closely resemble the ocelot in general appearance and range, but the ocelot is larger and has a tail that is shorter than its hind leg. Until recently, these cats were all considered members of the same genus as domestic cats (Felis). DNA studies now indicate that these cats and some other New World species are of a different lineage within the cat family, Felidae.” (Links in original)
Britannica said the cats are significantly larger than house cats and other small wild South American cats. They can weigh 35 pounds, stand 18 inches high and achieve a 3 foot length . Mostly nocturnal, they eat rodents, birds, fish insects and reptiles.
Approaching the Texas ocelots problem from a different direction is Recover Texas Ocelots. That organization is hoping to capture male ocelots and harvest sperm to be used in captive breeding and re-wilding efforts. Ocelots are not prolific. A female gives birth to a litter (usually 1 to three offspring) every two years.