The Jaguarundi Is Elusive, Unusual and Very Much a Day Cat
Spotted: one of the Americas’ strangest-looking little wild cats, the jaguarundi — Herpailurus yagouaroundi.
Long-bodied, low-slung and almost otter-like at first glance, the jaguarundi is a remarkably distinctive feline. It is also famously difficult to catch a good look at in the wild, thanks to its secretive nature and preference for moving through dense cover.
One correction to a common assumption: despite its elusive reputation, the jaguarundi is not primarily nocturnal. Field observations and camera-trap research have repeatedly found it to be strongly diurnal, meaning much of its activity happens during daylight hours.
The species ranges broadly through the Americas, from Mexico through Central America and across much of South America. Depending on region and habitat, jaguarundis can occur in forests, scrub, savannas and other landscapes that offer enough cover to stay out of sight.
Which is what makes footage of one simply moving through its natural surroundings so satisfying. No giant-cat theatrics, no roar, no dramatic ambush — just thee wonderfully odd little feline doing what it does best: appearing briefly and making everyone wonder why we do not see these animals more often.
Watch a Jaguarundi Moving Through Its Natural Habitat
INYIM’s social clip spotlights the elusive wild cat in habitat footage.
Source: Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
