Gulf Coast Jaguarundi

The Gulf Coast Jaguarundi are an extremely rare species of cat, found only in specific parts of Northern America – in the Western Gulf coastal grasslands of southern United States and Northwestern Mexico. These highly endangered weasel-like wild cats are on the brink of extinction, as more and more of their natural habitat is destroyed.

These Jaguarundi have a reddish or a charcoal gray fur, short ears and short legs. Their natural habitat is lowland brush areas, usually close to water. As a true predatory cat, the Jaguarundi can both swim and climb very well.

A Gulf Coast Jaguarundi in captivity

The Gulf Coast Jaguarundi eat fish they catch in rivers, as well as small mammals (such as rabbits and armadillos) or even jump and catch low flying birds.  These wild cats have very advanced senses, making them a somewhat dangerous predator.

The Jaguarundi are considered to be solitary animals, that hunt and live alone, except for breeding season which occurs from September to November. After a gestation period of 70 days, birth is given to one or two kittens. They remain dependent on the mother for as long a period as two years, which is quite unusual for predatory mammals.

These dangerous cats have a very high life expectancy of up to 24 years, mainly due to their highly advanced senses, that protect them from other, larger carnivores. They are also easily tamed and can live even longer in captivity and they’re quite common in zoos.

IUCN lists the Gulf Coast Jaguarundi as “Endangered” which is mainly due to human actions, that have resulted in destroying most of the wild cat’s natural habitat – many areas previously suited for them has been cleared and turned into farming zones. It’s also hunted for it’s fur, which has a very attractive natural reddish colour, though extra poacher control has reduced cases of these animals being hunted.

The Jaguarundi have very beautiful furs

Fortunately, many people are aware of the critical situation of the Gulf Coast Jaguarundi and some communities around the Rio Grande Valley have begun to restore the cat’s natural habitat, as a means of conservation. If these actions succeed, perhaps the Jaguarundi will restore a stable population.

Another concern for environmentalists in relation to these wild cats is the proposed building of the 16 foot wall on the border of Mexico and U.S. This project endangers the natural balance in the border area and the number of  many animals, including the Gulf Coast Jaguarundi might decrease drastically. Even now, it is very rare to see a Jaguarundi in the jungle and although there are no precise numbers of their population, it can be estimated as very low.