Wild Caribbean: The Caribbean’s Most Unusual Animals

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April 22, 2014

9. Ocelot (Trinidad; Isla Margarita, Venezuela; islands off Mexico)

Ocelot-animal-large-up

There are 10 species of the ocelot, one of which is endemic specifically to Trinidad, Margarita and islands off of Mexico, making it the only cat found in the region. Nocturnal and solitary, the “dwarf jaguar,” as it’s also known, is notoriously sexually territorial, using its urine to not only mark territory but also signal its availability for mating. Female ocelots are known to defend their exclusive territory, fighting off other gyul cats who invade their territory. Stop us if this story sounds familiar…