Stomach contents of a road-killed Jaguarundi Herpailurus yagouaroundi in Hidalgo, Mexico

Abstract

ABSTRACT Studies on the diet of the Jaguarundi are scarce; it feeds on small mammals, birds, and, to a lesser extent, fruits, reptiles, arthropods, and fish. We report eight food items for the species based on a review of the stomach contents of a female roadkill. We found the records of the snake Drymobius margaritiferus, the lizard Sceloporus sp., the rodent Sigmodon toltecus (two individuals), Passeriformes birds (three), and another snake belonging to Colubridae. A review of 11 other studies of jaguarundi food habits in Mexico and Brazil documents 120 food items, 59% of which are mammals, and most items reflect the diurnal behavior of the species.