Jaguarundi

Also known as gato moro. Its elongated, slender body, short legs and small head with rounded ears give it an appearance closer to that of an otter or a large weasel than to a typical cat. It shows unique polymorphism: there are individuals of a dark-gray phase (slate-gray to blackish) and individuals of a reddish phase (cinnamon or rust color), and both can be born in the same litter. As a predominantly diurnal hunter, it is one of the native cats with the highest chances of being spotted. Total length: 90 to 120 cm. Weight: 3.5 to 7 kg.

Behaviour

Solitary and markedly terrestrial, though it climbs trees with ease if it feels threatened. An opportunistic carnivore: small rodents, lizards, snakes, ground-dwelling birds and large insects. It carries out almost all of its activity during the daylight hours, moving stealthily through the transitions between woodland and grassland.

How and when to see it

Year-round. The best moments are the sunny morning hours or the start of the afternoon, when it walks stealthily along the edges of the vehicle and pedestrian trails.

Where to see it in the Iberá

The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where jaguarundi has confirmed presence:

Tours to see it

Verified providers operating at the gateways where jaguarundi lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.

• Esteros Ñe’é
  Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5
• Salvaje Iberá
  Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5
• Reserva Natural Estero Alma
  Reserva natural privada en Loreto. Senderos interpretativos, safari fotográfico…★ 5
• Gaucho Argentino
  Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5

Species profile

• Common nameJaguarundi
• Scientific nameHerpailurus yagouaroundi
• GroupMammal
• StatusNative

Other species of the Iberá

• 🐆 Ocelot
• 🐜 Giant Anteater
• 🐆 Jaguar
• 🦦 Coypu
• 🐻 Southern Tamandua
• 🐒 Black Howler Monkey
• 🐱 Puma
• 🦦 Neotropical Otter