In an effort to preserve the species, the wildlife sanctuary Parque Pericos, located at the entrance to San Justo, Entre Ríos, launched the Ocelote Project, a program aimed at breeding these endangered felines.
The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is the third largest feline in America, after the jaguar and the puma. Although in the past it had a wide distribution, currently its presence is limited to certain regions of America, including northern Argentina, where it is found in the Yungas, the Paraná Jungle, and the Chaco. Its population has decreased considerably due to habitat loss and poaching, placing it in the vulnerable species category.
Marcelo Vásquez, in charge of the sanctuary, explained that there are two ocelots in the facility, a female named Rihanna and a male named Balam, who were moved with the hope of successful breeding. “The female has entered estrus, and we want to mate them,” he commented, highlighting the importance of the adaptation process prior to mating. Currently, the specimens are in separate spaces and will be gradually introduced to ensure their compatibility.
The Ocelote Project is part of a larger effort led by the Rewilding Argentina Foundation, which works on the conservation of various threatened species. In addition to the ocelot, the program includes the reproduction of the red macaw (Ara chloropterus) and the red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria), with the aim of restoring wild populations in different regions of the country.
The ecological role of the ocelot
The ocelot plays an essential role in the ecosystems where it lives, as it regulates the population of its prey, which includes small and medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles. “Its presence is vital to maintain ecosystem balance,” explained Vásquez, emphasizing that the reintroduction of this species will contribute to the environmental health of the Greater Iberá Park in Corrientes, where future offspring are expected to be released.
Rihanna, the female, comes from the breeding center at Itaipú, Brazil, and is known for her calm temperament. Balam, the male, was born at La Peregrina in Buenos Aires, and prefers resting in elevated places. Both are now settled in facilities adapted for their well-being, and in the coming weeks, they will start their encounters with the hope that this program will help strengthen the ocelot population in Argentina.
Three female ocelots arrive from Brazil to Corrientes
Three female ocelots have arrived in Argentina from the Bella Vista Refuge in Brazil, as part of efforts to reintroduce this feline in the Greater Iberá Park, located in the province of Corrientes.
The Rewilding Foundation reported that, after completing the quarantine period, the three females met the necessary health requirements to move to the next phase of the project, which includes acclimatization in pre-release pens as reported by Diario Época.
“Conservation and recovery efforts for species require teamwork and international collaboration, and the reintroduction of the ocelot is no exception. In this project, partnerships with organizations from Brazil and Paraguay are essential,” stated the foundation.
Source: Elonce.
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