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Ocelot - Leopardus pardalis

First year: 1958

Extirpated year:

Established status: Species have populations whose status is unknown.

Estimated Florida range: 1 county Less than 10 years, 2 counties Not reported breeding

Statewide trend: Unknown status

Threats to natives: Unknown

Species Account: The ocelot, a small wildcat, has been on the federal endangered species list since 1972. Ocelots have been extirpated from Arkansas, Louisiana, eastern Texas, and Arizona, although individuals may still occasionally cross into Arizona from Mexico. Scattered sightings of ocelots in Florida are undoubtedly of released pets or escaped animals.

Habitats: Agricultural habitat, Mesic Hammocks, Lowland forest or swamp

County	First Year	Extirpated Year	Breeding status	Notes
ALACHUA	1962		Not reported breeding
DADE	1958		Not reported breeding
HIGHLANDS	1970s		Less than 10 years

References

Layne, J. 1997. Nonindigenous Mammals. Pages 157-186 in Strangers in Paradise: impact and management of nonindigenous species in Florida (Simberloff,D., D. Schmitz, and T. Brown, eds.). Island Press, Washington, D. C.

Links to more information

Cat Special Group species account

Texas Park and Wildlife information

Back to Nonnative Mammals

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