Activity pattern and predatory behaviour of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) (Carnivora, Felidae) in mineral licks of the Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

By

Macas-Pogo, Patricio
Mejía Valenzuela, Edison
Arévalo-Serrano, Gabriela

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023-1-18

Original Publication

Neotropical Biology and Conservation

Volume

18

Series / Issue

Issue: 1

Pages

1--11

Subjects

activity patterns , cámara trampa , camera trap , depredador , mineral lick , ocelot , ocelote , patrones de actividad , predator , saladero , Yasuní

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Brazil Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/neotropical.18.e95027

 

Abstract

The ocelot, Leopardus pardalis, is one of the opportunistic predators of the tropical forests that includes birds, small and medium mammals, amphibians and reptiles in its diet. Aiming to observe its behaviour within its natural habitat, 10 cameras were installed in 10 mineral licks within the Yasuni National Park (Ecuador). Both images and videos of ocelot predation events were collected. Hence, the frequency of activity of this specie was determined with the register of captures obtained. Three events are described: the first one, an image of an ocelot stalking a Mazama deer was taken, while in the second scene, a video of stalking an anuran was obtained and in the third event, a video of the ocelot capturing a flying bat was recorded. The use of camera traps allowed us to collect valuable behavioural information about this feline and provide evidence of the importance of the mineral licks for this and other wild species.