Why are Ocelots Endangered in the First Place?
Habitat Destruction
In the late 1900’s, over 90% of the ocelots habitat was altered for agricultural and urban development. The “Green Revolution” in northern Mexico was the period of conversion of much of the natural landscape to agricultural production, which cleared 95% of Ocelot habitat in the area. In locations such as Texas, rapid urban development caused further land and habitat fragmentation, and decreased opportunities of habitat restoration. Currently, habitat in Arizona is being threatened as mining is becoming more prevalent.
Over-utilization
In the 1960’s ocelots were imported to the states for the pet trade and were heavily exploited, primarily by the fashion industry, for their pelts. Over 140,000 skins were documented by U.S. Customs officials.
Disease or Predation
As habitat fragmentation increases in the ocelots habitat, the cats are coming in contact with more animals such as bobcats, coyotes and even livestock. This has created an increase in diseases among the ocelot population. Predation should also account for some ocelot mortality as they have been killed by other ocelots, domestic dogs, coyotes, and diamondback rattlesnakes. Alligators have also been recorded to have killed two ocelots.
In the late 1900’s, over 90% of the ocelots habitat was altered for agricultural and urban development. The “Green Revolution” in northern Mexico was the period of conversion of much of the natural landscape to agricultural production, which cleared 95% of Ocelot habitat in the area. In locations such as Texas, rapid urban development caused further land and habitat fragmentation, and decreased opportunities of habitat restoration. Currently, habitat in Arizona is being threatened as mining is becoming more prevalent.
Over-utilization
In the 1960’s ocelots were imported to the states for the pet trade and were heavily exploited, primarily by the fashion industry, for their pelts. Over 140,000 skins were documented by U.S. Customs officials.
Disease or Predation
As habitat fragmentation increases in the ocelots habitat, the cats are coming in contact with more animals such as bobcats, coyotes and even livestock. This has created an increase in diseases among the ocelot population. Predation should also account for some ocelot mortality as they have been killed by other ocelots, domestic dogs, coyotes, and diamondback rattlesnakes. Alligators have also been recorded to have killed two ocelots.
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