Jaguarundi

 

(Herpailurus Yagouarondi)

Spanish: Yaguarundi. Belizean Creole: Halari

 

Jaguarundis are the second smallest of Belize’s wildcats, and the most unusual and less known. They resemble otters and weasels from a distance due to the colour of their fur and their long, lean bodies and tails, but they are in fact wildcats. They come in two color morphs, a reddish brown and dark gray.

The historic range of jaguarundis in the southern USA has declined in the last 50 years, to the point that there have been no confirmed reports since 1986. 

Unlike the other wildcats, jaguarundis are most active during the day. They are efficient climbers but hunt and spend their time mainly on the ground. They are also very good swimmers.

Jaguarundis can produce a variety of growls, whistles and chirps. Mothers will often call to their kittens with a brief purr, and the kittens answer with short peeps. In warning, a jaguarundi will hiss loudly and/or spit.

Fun Facts

• At least 13 different jaguarundi calls have been recorded. 
• Jaguarundis have the second largest range of any wildcat in the Americas, second only to the puma/cougar.

Belize Zoo Trivia

• The jaguarundis at The Belize Zoo are: Nina, Shadow, Buster, and Cornellia.
• Their favourite enrichment items include feathers, and cardboard boxes sprayed with special scents.