Exciting news from Arizona! A rare sighting has been made in the Atascosa Highlands, where researchers spotted the first ocelot in decades.
While smaller than its larger cousin, the jaguar, this little wildcat has captured the attention of scientists from the Phoenix Zoo and the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation (ACNC).
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In a stroke of luck back in April, researchers set up field cameras in the Coronado National Forest’s Nogales Ranger District. Their persistence paid off in June when they caught the elusive ocelot on camera!
“AZGFD has conducted a pelage spot analysis comparing this ocelot with the current known ocelot in the state, as well as previous ocelots and concludes that this is indeed a new ocelot,” the zoo said in a press release.
Ocelots, often mistaken for miniature jaguars, are a unique species of leopard native to various regions of the Americas. The sighting in the Atascosa Highlands marks a significant discovery in a relatively understudied wildlife corridor.
The ACNC/Phoenix Zoo President and CEO Bert Castro expressed excitement about the find, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in wildlife conservation. This discovery is a testament to the critical need for preserving habitats in the region.
Rigorous research will continue in the coming months to gather more data and hopefully capture additional images of the elusive ocelot. Stay tuned for updates on this fascinating discovery!
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