Jaguar
These solitary animals are the third largest cat in the world, behind the Siberian tiger and the lion. Their range used to include the U.S., through Mexico, Central America and South America but was hunted to extinction in the U.S. in the 1940s. It’s territory is rapidly shrinking in Mexico, including here in the Yucatan Peninsula due to development. There have been jaguar sightings in the Riviera Maya area, but sightings are very rare as, not only are these animals are very wary of humans, their population declined significantly.
Puma
Also known as a mountain lion or catamount in other parts of North America, the puma has a range that includes the Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and throughout Central and South America. Its prey includes large mammals such as white-tailed deer, which can be found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
Jaguarundi
Described as having an almost weasel-like appearance, this odd looking cat has a similar range to the jaguar and can be found in the Yucatan Peninsula. Smaller than the jaguar, these cats hunt smaller prey, like rodents and small reptiles.
Margay
Where you will find the jaguar and the jaguarundi on the ground, look up in the trees for this cat. The trees are where they are most comfortable and will hunt for animals like small monkeys, birds, and lizards. The biggest threat to this beautiful animal is the fur trade. Their stunning, thick coat makes them susceptible to illegal hunters.
Ocelot
According to bigcatrescue.org, this cat used to be not only popular for its fur but as a pet! They had their claws and fangs removed so they could be sold as house pets. That trade is illegal now, as is the fur trade of these animals. They weight about 20 pounds and hunt mostly at night for rodents and other small mammals.
Source: www.bigcatrescue.org, www.arkive.org, www.yucatanwildlife.com
