Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Elusive, solitary, wary, and endangered, the ocelot is rarely seen. Its range includes Texas, Arizona, Mexico, Central America, and South America. In the United States, fewer than 100 ocelots exist—in south Texas at Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, both near Alamo; Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge near Brownsville; and on a private ranch several miles away. The species has also been known to occur in Arizona. Listed in 1982 as endangered, the ocelot is protected by the Endangered Species Act. The ocelot is also listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Commercial trade of CITES Appendix I species is strictly prohibited. Also available here: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/ROAR_FAQs%2008-05-09_FINAL.pdf