The Jaguarundi
Meet the Jaguarundi: Costa Rica’s Little Puma
The jaguarundi is one of Costa Rica’s most unusual wild cats. Unlike the spotted coats of jaguars, ocelots, and margays, the jaguarundi has a solid-colored coat that can be gray, black, or reddish brown. With its slender body, long tail, and small rounded head, it looks almost like a cross between a cat and an otter. While it is one of the least known cats of Costa Rica, it is also one of the most adaptable.
Key Facts
Size: 53–77 cm (21–30 inches) in body length, with a long tail that adds another 30–60 cm (12–24 inches)
Weight: 4.5–9 kg (10–20 pounds)
Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild, up to 15 in captivity
Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects
Activity: Active during the day, unlike most other cats
Cool Facts About Jaguarundis
The jaguarundi is sometimes called the “little puma” because of its plain coat and similar body shape. Unlike most cats, it is diurnal, meaning it hunts during the day. This makes it easier to spot than strictly nocturnal cats like the margay.
Jaguarundis are skilled climbers and swimmers, able to move comfortably in a variety of habitats. They are found in dry forests, rainforests, grasslands, and even near human settlements, showing just how adaptable they are.
Their vocal range is surprisingly wide. They make whistles, purrs, chirps, and even bird-like calls to communicate, which has earned them the nickname “the weasel cat” in some regions.
Jaguarundis often hunt at the forest edge or in open areas, preying on rodents, lizards, frogs, and birds. By controlling rodent populations, they play an important role in balancing the ecosystem.
Habitat and Behavior
In Costa Rica, jaguarundis are most often seen in lowland areas, though they can adapt to higher elevations. Their flexibility allows them to live in both dense rainforest and drier habitats. Unlike other cats, they sometimes appear in pairs or small family groups, though they are generally solitary.
Their adaptability makes them more resilient than some of the larger, more specialized cats, though habitat loss remains a challenge.
Where to See Jaguarundis in Costa Rica
While they are not as commonly discussed as jaguars or pumas, jaguarundis are present in many parts of Costa Rica. Guided tours in national parks and reserves provide the best opportunity to learn about their world and possibly catch a glimpse:
Tortugero Kayaking, with its forests where jaguarundis hunt during the day
Corcovado National Park, one of the richest wildlife habitats in the world
Carara National Park, located at the transition between dry and wet forests, offering the diverse environments jaguarundis love
Joining a guided hike or kayaking experience gives you the chance to experience the landscapes where jaguarundis live and discover the other animals that share their environment. We don’t currently have tours in this area, so we provide links to tours that we have personally visited and enjoyed!
