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

By Lydia Smith published June 22, 2024

Jaguarundis are weird little felines that are about the size of domestic cats, have long bodies with short legs and round, flattened heads.



Angry Jaguarundi showing teeth (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
(Image credit: Diego Grandi/Shutterstock)

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.

The jaguarundi diverged from the puma into its own species between 4 million and 7 million years ago. Yet jaguarundis are much, much smaller than mountain lions: The latter weighs 75 to 158 pounds (34 to 72 kilograms), whereas, at 7 to 15 pounds (3 to 7 kg,) the jaguarundi is barely larger than a housecat.

Both wild and domestic cats make a range of noises, depending on what they are trying to tell others. Most domestic-cat owners have heard a growl, hiss or purr — and big wildcats such as lions, tigers and jaguars do the same, to a degree.



(Image credit: slowmotiongli/Shutterstock)

More:
https://www.livescience.com/animals/jaguarundi-the-little-wildcat-that-looks-like-an-otter-and-has-13-ways-of-talking