Population Dynamics: Ocelots
1.
The Ocelot is very diverse across its range and shows a high degree of population structure. The species
lives within four distinct clusters: Central America and Mexico, Northwest South America, Northeast
South America, and Southern South America. The Ocelot is widely
distributed from Mexico through Central and South America to Northeastern Argentina and Southern Brazil and Uruguay, found in every
country except Chile. In the wild, Ocelots inhabit a wide variety of
habitats, from humid tropical forests, dense thorny chaparral, dry scrub,
savannahs, coastal mangroves and swamp forests. Apart from high
density dispersion in South and Central America, remnant populations of
Ocelots can be found in Florida and Texas. At one time, ocelots ranged
much of the southern United States and Argentina. Today, it is
estimated that there are 80-120 ocelots found north of the Rio Grande
in the United States and the west coast of Mexico. Recent
Figure 1: Population Distribution
documentation shows a feral population of released pets reported in
of Ocelots as of 2008
Florida. In the concentrated regions there is an estimated population
density range of 5-100 ocelots per 100km2. Using methods of radio telemetry and remote cameras,
population densities in varied habitats are depicted in Table 1. The population of ocelots across their
vast area of inhabitants show certain population trends. Population density positively correlates to
dense cover and spacious land. In Texas, the ocelot population is concentrated into a small area,
producing a greater density as opposed to subtropical rainforests.
Table 1: Population density of ocelots in several habitats, all measurements are based
off 100km2
2.
Historical data suggests that the ocelot population was plentiful in the early 1900s, when it was
estimated that there were over 50,000 in the wild. After this, there was a sharp decline in the
population, and in 1972 they were placed on the endangered species list as a vulnerable species, which
is considered to be threatened. At this point, there were less than 15,000 in the wild. From here the
population grew, and in 1996, they were classified as an endangered species of least concern, with an
estimated population of over 20,000.
3.
If the current pattern of ocelot population growth continues, it is estimated that the population will
either stay the same, due to their high infant mortality rate, or grow to about 27,000 in the next 50
years. Ocelots are increasing in population and the underlying cause for original depletion has been
halted to a great extent. The decreased hunting has allowed the population to continue to rebirth in the
wild. This being said, other factors of depletion must still be taken into account. Deforestation and
fragmentation of habitats have been increasing. It is the main cause, and continues to be, for current
Ocelot depletion. This factor is expected to continue to increase, and as it has spread throughout the
United States, it is inevitable that it will continue to spread toward Central America. Civilization will halt
the continued growth of the Ocelot species. It is predicted that preservation methods will be identified
and adapted to counteract human interference with Ocelot ecosystems, especially with increased
environmental awareness. Taking these factors into account, it is estimated that the Ocelot population
will remain in positive growth, but will continue to make a slow recovery.
4.
Limiting factors have played a minimal role in the endangerment of the Ocelot species. The historical
decreases in the population have been caused mostly by human implication. Limiting factors include
human disturbances such as hunting and deforestation. Deforestation, though stemming from human
interference, has initiated several limiting factors. Loss of habitat has caused the Ocelot to come into
closer contact with the Jaguar, a major predator. The lack of covering brush has made their dappled
coat less effective in camouflaging with the surroundings. Even further, there is now a lack of prey
within their range, which could be due to hunting or inhabitable land. The mass killing of this species in
the 1970’s and 1980’s greatly altered the allele frequency and genetic diversity of the species. Genetic
drift, specifically the bottleneck affect, has played a great role in conducing the animals to disease and
more vulnerability to environmental conditions. As with every animal, air quality in these areas, caused
by pollution, could potentially poison the animal.
5.
Ocelot predator and prey relationships are very important. Ocelots have evolved to be able to adapt to
a vast variety of habitats, and as a result effect a vast number of ecosystems. Some of these predator
prey relationships include conferences between agoutis,
Agoutis Relationship:
Agoutis are large rodents, making them a prized meal for ocelots. Both ocelots and agoutis are
predators, though at different levels. Agoutis are seed predators, favoring larger fruits. The agouti-seed
relationship is more complicated than simple predator-prey. Agoutis bury some seeds in holes
throughout their 1-2 hectare territory. This transport of seeds away from the shade and parasites of the
parent tree is great for the tree until the agouti returns to claim it. Like squirrels, agoutis have good
spatial memory and harvest their cached seeds later in the year, when there are fewer fresh fruits and
seeds. But if agoutis ate all the seeds they stored, trees would not regenerate and forests would decline.
Ocelots act as the seeds’ saviours. If there is a high turnover in agouti territories due to predation, new
agoutis entering a recently vacated territory wouldn’t know where to look for the previous owner’s seed
caches, thus leaving them to germinate.
Opossum Relationship:
Intensive tracking of the Ocelot population concludes that opossums are the prey most frequently eaten
by Ocelots. With the endangerment of the Ocelots, opossum populations will begin to rise with
decreased predation, especially in areas beyond the Rio Grande. Already, wildlife technicians are
reporting rising possum populations. The species is beginning to expand in Canada, where they are
suffering from frostbite due to furless ears and feet.
Jaguar and Cougar Relationship:
Jaguars and Cougars are at the top of the food chain in rainforest and jungle environments. Ocelots
supplement their diet, making them one of the main predators for jaguar and cougar consumption. A
decrease in the ocelot population has put stress on limited resources and food for these animals,
increasing intra species competition. Even further, they both share the ocelot as a food source,
exposing both animals to a depleting resource. Jaguars need to eat at least one small animal a day, but
wherever Ocelots are losing their habitat, so are jaguars. This cat relies on the animals of the rain forest
and wetlands of Central and South America, the prime location of Ocelots, and in nearly one third of this
range, Ocelots are being hunted and forced from their habitats. This biological interaction shows the
catastrophic effects of an imbalanced ecosystem, as Jaguars are becoming extinct as well. As the prey
base of these wildcats shrinks and shifts, they begin seeking smaller prey, further upsetting the
ecological balance of the rain forests and grasslands.
Rat Relationship:
Rats, and especially spiny rats, a species native to Central and South America, are increasing in
population, and remain a large prey source of the ocelot. Spiny rats primarily eat fruits and seeds, and
are not limited during the season of great food abundance. Therefore, Ocelots and other predators are
used to keep populations intact and under control. The spiny rat population has been increasing,
depleting food sources for other small mammals. Fruits and seeds are very plentiful, giving boundless
resources for the spiny rat population to thrive and invade.
6.
The severe decrease in the ocelot population can be completely attributed to human implications. The
underlying cause to their presently low numbers can be traced back to the fur trade. The fur trade
decimated the ocelot population decades ago through widespread commercial harvests, forcing the
species to recover with further human disruption. Currently, the major threats to the ocelot population
are habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal trade, and retaliatory killing due to the depredation of
poultry.
In the 1980’s, Ocelot fur coats sold for forty thousand dollars. Their coats are short and soft, forming
two whorls on the shoulders. Ground colour varies from whitish or tawny yellow, to reddish grey with
chainlike streaks and blotches. The Ocelot’s attractive coat made it a prime target for the fur trade.
During this time, its pelt was the mainstay of trade and approximately 200,000 ocelots were killed each
year for their coats. Since this time, ocelot population has begun to rise again, but with other impeding
factors, it has not been able to reach the number previous to being decimated by the fur trade. Strict
controls were placed on the ocelot hunting during the 80’s with the declining population; however some
are still illegally hunted today. Their scarce numbers make their fur idolized among hunters, despite
ecological restrictions.
Habitat loss and fragmentation has caused a dramatic decline in Ocelot populations in the United States.
The more civilization expands, the more the Ocelots are suffering to survive. Almost 95% of the regions
land cover in the United States and Mexico has been altered. Unfortunately, agriculture, urban
development, and roads have fragmented and replaced the species territory. Currently, the greatest
cause of mortality for the Ocelot is becoming road kill. Being nocturnal hunters, they often move at
night, further increasing their risk of vehicle collisions. Patches of suitable habitat are widely spaced and
the migration of juveniles between these patches results in death. The Ocelot has evolved its coat to
camouflage and disappear into the shadows of densely covered forest. The capacity of the defense
mechanism is greatly limited by the sparse habitats, leaving the animal more susceptible to its
predators.
In domesticated areas, Ocelots are being shot in retaliation to their depredation of poultry. Their
instinctive hunting nature has caused them to kill chickens and other livestock for food, an increasing
problem as their habitats are shrinking. This factor, though the smallest of the three still significantly
contributes to a decrease in the concentrated Ocelot populations.
7.
The Brazilian Ocelot Consortium was formed as a conservation partnership under the auspices of the
American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Felid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), Brazil Conservation
Action Partnership (CAP), and Ocelot Species Survival Plan (SSP), in cooperation with Brazil's Special
Working Group for Small Brazilian Cats and the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Natural
Renewable Resources (IBAMA). The primary goal of the Brazilian Ocelot Consortium is to identify priority
issues affecting the survival of the Brazilian ocelot and develop a comprehensive management strategy
that addresses conservation needs both in the field and in zoos.
The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute is currently working on plans to create corridors between
habitat patches that will allow the animals to migrate safely, and is also creating new habitat areas from
previously unsuitable open areas.
8.
Ocelots are extremely important to Central and South American ecosystems, considering they are a part
of many. I would like to propose the creation of a new foundation, going by the name of The Ocelot
Preservation Foundation (TOP Foundation). TOP Foundation, would be committed to collecting funds
and allocating them appropriately to provide sustainable methods to positively impact the Ocelot
population. A main goal of the foundation would be to provide conservative efforts to the breeding of
Ocelots.
The proposition includes a new captivity breeding system. Currently, Ocelots are being bred in zoos and
in captivity to preserve the population. This method is proving minimal effectiveness, and is causing
interbreeding to create ocelots with a genetic composition that varies greatly from their wild
counterparts. TOP foundation would like to propose the creation of Ocelot Natural Breeding (ONB)
areas. ONB areas and regulations would designate a specific radius in ocelot habitat to become a
natural and regulated breeding ground. In these areas, employees, paid for by generous donations,
would control environmental variables to ensure the maximum breeding of an ocelot population in the
wild. The area would be void of predators, food sources would be provided, and mating would be
tracked. It will act as an artificially controlled environment located in a natural setting. Once ocelot
numbers show a ten percent increase within the radius, the radius is moved to another population. This
short term plan will ensure an easy transition into the wild, and will increase ocelot numbers. Even
further, employees controlling the ONB are able to complete observations and research on the species
to instate future conservation methods and optimal breeding conditions.
After increasing ocelot populations, TOP foundation will follow up by introducing long term conservation
methods to sustain the increased population. Rainforest Protected Zones (RPZ) will function to create
specific conservation areas within the rainforest that will not be subject to deforestation and habitat
loss.
TOP foundation proposes to abandon conservation efforts within the United States. The United States
has built an infrastructure not suitable for ocelot conditioning. It will be extremely difficult to grow back
the populations there and keep them sustained. Instead, resources and funds will be applied to areas
where the ocelot population is highly distributed.
9.
References
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