Ocelot Research Articles

Abundance and home range of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in northwestern Mexico

Abstract In Mexico, information about ocelots is limited, which hinders the implementation of effective management and conservation measures. The purpose of this research was to provide basic information of population density, relative abundance and home range observed for the species in northwestern Mexico. Systematic sampling was implemented from January to December 2015 using photo-trapping as tool. Fifty-four camera-trap stations (37 double stations) were used, and the resulting grid covered an area of 182 km2. We applied six sampling periods of 59-62 days in each period. Density analysis was based on spatially explicit models and traditional capture-recapture models. The home range was estimated using the minimum convex polygon method. We obtained 135 photographic records of ocelots, of which 17 individuals were identified (five males, four females and eight individuals of undetermined sex). During six study periods, our sampling effort reached 19 710 trap-days. We estimate a capture rate for the study of 6.84 rec./1000 trap-days. The density of ocelots estimated with the Capture module in the MARK program ranged from 1.38 to 2.93 rec./100 km2. The results estimate using the SERC method showed a density of 0.93-3.06 individuals per 100 km2. The ocelots in the Northern Jaguar Reserve (NJR) had an average distribution area of 14.1 km2. The results of this research illustrate the importance of continuing studies of ocelots on the NJR to maintain a long-term viable population for northwestern Mexico.

CO-OCCURRENCE OF FOUR ENDANGERED MAMMALS IN THE MEXICO–UNITED STATES BORDERLANDS: JAGUAR (PANTHERA ONCA), OCELOT (LEOPARDUS PARDALIS), BEAVER (CASTOR CANADENSIS) AND BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERICANUS)

The unique biogeography of the Madrean Archipelago facilitates the cohabitation of species that otherwise rarely overlap in their spatial distributions. As part of a long-term study at Cuenca Los Ojos, Sonora, we deployed 25 cameras along washes within the property from October 2018 to April 2019, adding to the camera-trap information collected at the site since 2016. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) was recorded once in 2018, twice in 2016 and 2020, but not during the 2018–2019 study period. Black bear (Ursus americanus) was recorded regularly throughout the season with several images including cubs. One picture and several signs of beaver (Castor canadensis) were discovered in 2018 and 2019. Lastly, the first record of jaguar (Panthera onca) in Cuenca Los Ojos was recorded in February and March 2019 at four different sites. All species are considered endangered in Mexico and species of conservation concern in the United States and were recorded within 5 km south of the USA–Mexico border wall. Our addition of the new ocelot sighting in this region marks the only known location with records of all four species overlapping in space and time despite historical distribution ranges of black bears, jaguars, and beavers overlapping. Given the current border wall construction and highway development, which both affect the natural connectivity of the region, it will be necessary to incorporate the presence of the four species in all future mitigation efforts.

If you build it, will they come? A comparative landscape analysis of ocelot roadkill locations and crossing structures

Wildlife-vehicle collisions can have a substantial influence on the mortality rates of many wildlife populations. Crossing structures are designed to mitigate the impact of road mortality by allowing safe passage of wildlife above or below roads, and connect to suitable areas on both sides of the road. Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) are a federally endangered felid in the United States, with remnant populations of <80 individuals remaining in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Vehicle collisions are the greatest known source of mortality for ocelots in Texas. Crossing structures designed for ocelot use have been implemented throughout South Texas since the 1990s, however, ocelots rarely use them. We compared landscape characteristics between ocelot crossing structures and ocelot-vehicle collision sites. We quantified the spatial distribution of woody and herbaceous cover types surrounding ocelot crossing structures (n = 56) and ocelot-vehicle collision sites (n = 26) at multiple spatial extents and compared landscape metrics between these location types. The landscape surrounding ocelot crossing structures had 17–22% more open herbaceous cover >1,050 m from the road, and 1.2–5.8 ha larger herbaceous patches >450 m from the road compared to ocelot-vehicle collision sites. Additionally, many crossing structures installed during the 1990’s are situated >100 km away from an extant ocelot population. Results from this study can guide conservation planners to place future road crossing structures in areas more likely to be used by ocelots. Our results also emphasize that reliable scientific data must be used for effective mitigation efforts. In the absence of data, post-installation assessments can improve the placement of future structures.

Adenovirus surveillance in wild carnivores from Brazil.

Landscape transformation favors the spread of new pathogens that can be shared between domestic and wild animals. Certain adenoviruses (e.g., canine adenovirus 1 and 2, family Adenoviridae) can infect domestic and wild carnivores. In domestic canids, these viruses are associated with hepatic and respiratory diseases (among others). Nevertheless, information regarding adenovirus pathogenicity and molecular features in wild carnivores is still limited. Herein we surveyed adenovirus in free-ranging carnivores from Brazil. Total DNA was extracted from and subsequently tested by a nested panPCR in spleen and/or lung of 52 carnivores, representing species of the following families: Canidae (n=4), Felidae (n=3), Mustelidae (n=2) and Procyonidae (n=2). The obtained sequences were compared to others available at GenBank. Available tissue samples from the positive cases were evaluated histopathologically. One out of 52 (1.9%, CI 95%, 0.0-5.7%) carnivores was positive; a roadkilled ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). The obtained sequence presented a low deduced amino acid (78.1%) similarity with the closest adenovirus, identified in a pinniped from the United States of America. This fact and its detection in a novel host suggest it may be representative of a novel species and denominated ocelot adenovirus 1. None of the gross and microscopic findings of the positive case were associated with adenovirus. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of adenovirus in wild felids of South America and the second worldwide. Further studies are necessary to assess the epidemiology and potential pathogenicity of this agent in wild carnivores.

Apicomplexa parasites in the brains of road-killed wild animals in the State of Paraná, Brazil

The use of run-over wild animals is an efficient strategy for scientific research of pathogens. The aim of this study was to detect DNA from phylum Apicomplexa in the brain of road-killed wild animals from the NorthCentral and North Pioneer mesoregions of Paraná, Brazil. Pre-established transects were run weekly; when found, animals were packed into individual packages and sent for autopsy. The brain fragments were collected and kept at -20 ° C until processing. The DNA extracted from the samples was amplified by nested-PCR for the 18S rDNA gene from the phylum Apicomplexa. All positive samples were submitted to DNA sequencing to define the species. A total of 90 animals were collected, however, only 68 animals (75.6%) that had integrity of the brain were included in the study. It was possible to identify the species by DNA sequencing in four samples: Sarcocystis spp. was identified in one Colaptes melanochloros (Greenbarred woodpecker) and one Mazama gouazoubira (Gray brocket). Neospora caninum was observed in a Leopardus pardalis (Ocelot) and T. gondii was present in Didelphis albiventris (white-eared opossum). The results indicated that parasites with economic and public health relevance were present in wild animals, which may favor infection of humans and animals.

Status and distribution of jaguarundi in Texas and Northeastern México: Making the case for extirpation and initiation of recovery in the United States.

The jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) is a small felid with a historical range from central Argentina through southern Texas. Information on the current distribution of this reclusive species is needed to inform recovery strategies in the United States where its last record was in 1986 in Texas. From 2003 to 2021, we conducted camera‐trap surveys across southern Texas and northern Tamaulipas, México to survey for medium‐sized wild cats (i.e., ocelots [Leopardus pardalis], bobcats [Lynx rufus], and jaguarundi). After 350,366 trap nights at 685 camera sites, we did not detect jaguarundis at 16 properties or along 2 highways (1050 km2) in Texas. However, we recorded 126 jaguarundi photographic detections in 15,784 trap nights on 2 properties (125.3 km2) in the northern Sierra of Tamaulipas, Tamaulipas, México. On these properties, latency to detection was 72 trap nights, with a 0.05 probability of detection per day and 0.73 photographic event rate every 100 trap nights. Due to a lack of confirmed class I sightings (e.g., specimen, photograph) in the 18 years of this study, and no other class I observations since 1986 in the United States, we conclude that the jaguarundi is likely extirpated from the United States. Based on survey effort and results from México, we would have expected to detect jaguarundis over the course of the study if still extant in Texas. We recommend that state and federal agencies consider jaguarundis as extirpated from the United States and initiate recovery actions as mandated in the federal jaguarundi recovery plan. These recovery actions include identification of suitable habitat in Texas, identification of robust populations in México, and re‐introduction of the jaguarundi to Texas.

Molecular detection of Brucella abortus in wild and captive felids

PurposeBrucellosis is a zoonotic disease of great public health importance. In wild animals, Brucella abortus is one of the most diagnosed species, mainly in enzootic environments where domestic animals share the same environment. B. abortus is common in environments shared by cattle, wild, and domestic animals. This study aimed to detect the presence of B. abortus DNA in free-ranging and captivity felids at Mato Grosso State, Brazil. MethodPolymerase chain reaction, based on the genetic element IS711, was performed in blood samples collected from 23 free-ranging and captive felids. The species represented include Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, Panthera onca, Puma concolor, and Puma yagouaroundi. ResultsDNA amplification of B. abortus was observed in only one captive P. concolor (4.34%). ConclusionThe detection of this pathogen in captive animals using molecular tools demonstrates the importance of monitoring, as it raises concerns about the possibility of transmission between humans and wild and domestic animals, especially in regions of vast biodiversity, such as in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Amplitude of the daily pattern of rest – activity in different species of Leopardus kept in captivity

Abstract Closer examination of the diurnal or nocturnal nature of wildlife species improves the knowledge necessary for landscape identity and biodiversity preservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the daily rhythmicity of total locomotor activity in wild felids of several species of Leopardus of similar body weight housed in captivity: Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) and margay (Leopardus wiedii). Twenty-four felids, six animals for each species, were housed under a natural light/dark cycle. The activity was recorded for thirteen consecutive days by means of an actimeter attached to a neck collar. Using cosinor rhythmometry, circadian rhythmic parameters (mesor, amplitude and acrophase) were assessed and compared among the several species. The daily and individual chronobiological variations of rest and activity showed a well-defined pattern. A nocturnal daily rhythmicity of locomotor activity was observed in Geoffroy’s cat, ocelot, oncilla and margay. The acrophase was observed shortly after midnight in margay and Geoffroy’s cat, and early at night in oncilla and ocelot. Our results improve the knowledge about the circadian system in wild animals. They can be a contribution to understanding the adaptive behaviour of wild felid species kept in zoological parks and rehabilitation agencies in providing the proper care for these animals

Can prey occupancy act as a surrogate for mesopredator occupancy? A case study of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Can prey occupancy act as a surrogate for mesopredator occupancy? A case study of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Comparative fecal steroid profile during pregnancy, parturition, and lactation between natural fertilization and embryo transfer in ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)

Despite the invaluable role that assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) play in conservation, pregnancy and parturition rates by embryo transfer (ET) are low for most endangered felids. Thus, efforts to expand the knowledge on pregnancy biology and ET are still required. In this context, we examined fecal sex steroid metabolites (i.e., estrogens, glucocorticoids, and progestogens) of eight ocelots submitted to natural fertilization (NF) and ET in 22 pregnancies (19 NF and 3 ET). Fecal samples were collected and assessed for each pregnancy from estrous cycle, pregnancy, and lactation, totaling 155 days. In short, progestogen levels remained high and unchanged (P < 0.05) from conception until parturition for females maintained under NF. On the other hand, females submitted to ET exhibited changes (P > 0.05) in progestogen levels from conception until parturition, with a significant decrease during pregnancy (480.72 ng/day; r2 = 0.81; P < 0.0001). Significant changes between NF and ET also were noted in estrogen levels between the first and last thirds of pregnancy (P < 0.05), in which estrogen levels exhibited a negative correlation (P < 0.01) between themselves. Regarding glucocorticoids, significant changes (P < 0.01) were observed only in the first third of pregnancy between NF and ET, which we believe may be related to the handling for ovarian synchronization and ET. Besides hormonal changes, the pregnancy was more prolonged (2.5 days) and more prone to dystocia in ET than NF. Overall, 24 embryos were transferred into eight females (3/1), with three kittens being born from three distinct deliveries (i.e., 12.5% of embryos and 37.5% of females). Our findings have supported the great potential of production and transfer of long-term frozen embryos in ocelot conservation. However, they reveal possible effects of these biotechnologies on hormonal levels during pregnancy linked with low conception and parturition rates and dystocic cases in felids.

The ocelot Leopardus pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora, Felidae) in the late Pleistocene of Uruguay

ABSTRACT The Felidae entered South America from North America during the Ensenadan Stage/Age (early to middle Pleistocene). For Uruguay, their fossil record is scarce but informative, although mostly of them correspond to large size felids (Smilodon, Panthera onca). In the present contribution, skull and mandibular remains are assigned, based on anatomical comparisons and numerical analyses, to Leopardus pardalis, which configure the first fossil record reliable documented of this feline in this country. These materials come from late Pleistocene rocks (the Sopas Formation) from northern Uruguay. Based on this remains, topics related to its palaeobiology and palaeoecology are discussed. In this way, during late Pleistocene in the territory of Uruguay, L. pardalis would have been the main predator on intermediate levels of the trophic chain, while supporting the possible development of dense and semi-open forest cover.

Vivendo no topo da linha florestal: mamíferos de médio e grande porte em um ecótono alto-montano nos Andes Centrais Peruanos

Abstract: Among the ecoregions that comprise the high-Andean zone of the Tropical Andes, the Puna and the Yungas stand out for covering a large part of the Peruvian Eastern Andes. Located in the ecotone of these two ecoregions, the Pampa Hermosa National Sanctuary (PHNS) houses one of the priority areas for conservation in Peru. However, the biodiversity of the high-Andean zone of the sanctuary and its surroundings remains poorly studied. Thus, through camera traps and transects, we sought to inventory for the first time the medium and large mammals from the high-Andean region of the PHNS and its buffer zone. We recorded 11 native and three domestic species of medium and large mammals. The richness of native mammals sampled reached 91.7% of the estimated richness (S est.= 11.99 ± 1.85). Among the native species Odocoileus virginianus had the highest relative frequency (56%). We recorded three endemic mammals from the Tropical Andes, Cuniculus taczanowskii, Tremarctos ornatus, and Pudu mephistopheles. The observed richness was higher than most surveys of medium and large mammals carried out in the Puna-forest ecotone in Peru, where the reported richness ranged from 4 to 13 species. In addition, our records of Leopardus pardalis and Eira barbara are the highest for all distribution of these two carnivores. Our results showed that more than 90% of the species recorded were found in it, demonstrating that the entire high-Andean region of the PHNS and its surroundings has an important value for the local mammal community.

The role of unprotected and privately protected areas for ocelot conservation: densities in Colombia and Brazil

AbstractThe ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a widely distributed, medium-sized felid in the Americas with declining population size. We estimated ocelot densities and home ranges in one agricultural area in the Magdalena River valley in Colombia, a private reserve and cattle ranch in the Colombian Llanos, and a private reserve in the Serra do Amolar in the Brazilian Pantanal. We used camera trapping (39–52 stations) and spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models. Density estimates (individuals/100 km2) were 11.0 ± 2.7 (SE) in the Magdalena River valley; 13.2 ± 3.2 (SE) in the Llanos, and 10.3 ± 2.9 (SE) in the Serra do Amolar. Overall, despite an impact of agriculture and human disturbance, our results highlight the importance of unprotected areas and privately protected ranching areas for ocelot conservation. As agriculture continues to expand across the tropics causing habitat loss, and negatively affecting ocelot densities, we recommend land use planning and best agricultural practices to maintain natural habitats, thereby limiting human impacts on ocelot conservation.

Genetic diversity and population structure for ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Costa Rica

Abstract Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) are a wide-ranging felid species, occurring from southern United States to northern Argentina. They occupy various habitats and are usually considered the most abundant wild cat species in the Neotropics. However, genetic studies that include free-ranging Mesoamerican ocelots are rare and generally based on small sample sizes. This is the first conservation genetics study on ocelots in Costa Rica and the second one in Mesoamerica that has conducted a genetic assessment of the species at a countrywide scale. We evaluated genetic diversity and population structure of ocelots using 15 microsatellite loci in 28 successfully genotyped individuals from throughout the country. We also compared genetic diversity of Costa Rican ocelots with that of jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) in the country, and with ocelots in Belize. Genetic diversity of ocelots in Costa Rica was relatively high as measured by rarified allelic richness (AR = 5.50 ± 1.36) and expected heterozygosities (HE = 0.79 ± 0.08). We did not detect patterns of genetic substructure, suggesting high levels of gene flow throughout the country and no strong barriers to movement. As expected, genetic diversity of Costa Rican ocelots was higher than co-occurring jaguars and pumas. Additionally, levels of genetic diversity were slightly higher in Costa Rican ocelots when compared with their counterparts in Belize, confirming the south to north decrease in genetic diversity reported in other studies. Our study provides critical baseline information to understand the status of wild ocelot populations in Costa Rica. Future studies on ocelots and other threatened or keystone species should also integrate genetic monitoring and conservation genetics analysis to properly inform management decisions, guarantee their long-term survival, and improve the resilience of ecosystems.

Ocelot density and habitat use in Tamaulipan thornshrub and tropical deciduous forests in Northeastern México

AbstractNortheastern México is one of the most diverse regions in the country with high mammal richness. This region also sits on the northern periphery of the geographic distribution of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), which are listed as endangered in México. Ocelot ecology in northeastern México is poorly known at local and landscape levels, especially in the ecologically rich temperate sierras, a perceived stronghold for ocelots. We used an occupancy approach to estimate ocelot-habitat use in Tamaulipan thornshrub and tropical deciduous forests and a spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) framework to estimate density of ocelots in the northern edge of the Sierra Tamaulipas, México. From May to December 2009, we conducted two camera trap surveys (summer: 20 camera stations; fall: 58 camera stations) on Rancho Caracol and Rancho Camotal, north of the Rio Soto de La Marina. We found ocelot detections were higher in areas with increasing patch density of tropical deciduous forest and habitat use was greater in Tamaulipan thornshrub and tropical deciduous forests with lower edge densities. Ocelot densities varied by sex, with females achieving greater densities (7.88 ocelots/100 km2 [95% CI: 4.85–12.81]) than males (3.81 ocelots/100 km2 [95% CI: 1.96–7.43]). Ocelots were averse to areas with high densities of edge cover in each woody community, supporting the notion of a forest patch interior species. Despite the study occurring 11 years ago, population densities were also among the highest reported in México using spatially explicit capture–recapture methods, The high ecological integrity of the habitat within the Sierra de Tamaulipas, recent protection as a Biosphere Reserve, and remote rugged terrain suggest long-term security of the ocelot population in this region.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in wild animals treated at the Federal University of Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Ticks have a great diversity of hosts, many of which are still being discovered. These parasites may be responsible for the transmission of several pathogens to animals and humans. For this reason, knowledge on tick species and their hosts is essential for planning actions in public health and fauna conservation. From February 2018 to July 2019, ticks found in animals treated at the Wild Animal Clinic of the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) were surveyed. Animals came from nine municipalities at the southern region of Minas Gerais State, all close to the municipality of Lavras. During veterinary procedures the animals were inspected, and tick specimens were removed from the hosts’ skins with the help of tweezers, and posteriorly identified. One hundred and three specimens of ticks were removed from the hosts and allocated in five species of Amblyomma Koch, 1844 (Ixodidae) [A. nodosum (Neumann, 1899), A. sculptum Berlese, 1888, A. aureolatum (Pallas, 1772), A. calcaratum Neumann, 1899, and A. ovale (Koch, 1844)] and one of Rhipicephalus Latreille, 1806 [R. (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1888)]. Ticks were collected from: Cariama cristata (Linnaeus, 1766) (Cariamidae); Cerdocyon thous Linnaeus, 1766 and Chrysocyon brachyurus Illiger,1815 (Canidae); Leopardus pardalis Linnaeus, 1758 (Felidae); Mazama gouazoubira Fischer, 1814 (Cervidae); Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 (Myrmecophagidae); Sphiggurus villosus (F. Cuvier, 1823) (Erethizontidae). In this study no new parasite-host relationships were found, however, wild animals can be vectors of important diseases, and monitoring the occurrence of ectoparasites in wildlife is a significant step in public health policies.

Living on the edge: density and activity patterns of the ocelot, Leopardus pardalis, in the austral limit of the Atlantic Forest

ABSTRACT Knowledge on population density and activity patterns may help to understand how species with wide geographical distribution survive in different environments. The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is one of the neotropical felids with the greatest geographical range. We estimated the density and activity patterns of ocelots in the austral extreme of the species distribution (Southern Brazil), comparing our results with those of previous studies. We obtained ocelot records in three out of six sampled areas, but only two had sufficient records to estimate ocelot density. We estimated 15.5 (±6SE) and 27 (±24SE) individuals/100 km2 in two protected areas. These values seem low when compared to ocelots’ density estimates in other areas of the Atlantic Forest. In the most pristine area, density values were similar to those from a study carried out 10 years ago, suggesting that this population remains stable. Our results indicate that austral populations of the ocelot are likely to be dependent on preserved patches of deciduous seasonal forests. As in other areas of the species’ distribution, ocelots were mainly nocturnal, potentially avoiding humans and domestic animals. The preservation of those areas and the connectivity between them is a priority for the long-term conservation of stable ocelot´s populations in the southern Atlantic Forest range.

Take a good catch at the scat: carboxylic and sulfonic acid profiles as a non-invasive tool for species identification and sex determination in neotropical carnivores

ABSTRACT There is an increasing interest in the use of noninvasive monitoring methods, such as the use of chemical profiles obtained from noninvasive samples. Here, we propose the use of carboxylic and sulfonic acids profiles obtained from scats as a noninvasive tool to identify mammalian carnivoran species and for sex determination. We used High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) detection system (HPLC-LIF) to retrieve carboxylic and sulfonic acids profiles from scats of five mammalian carnivores: Puma concolor, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Leopardus pardalis and Felis catus (all Felidae) and Nasua nasua (Procyonidae). We were able to unambiguously identify the species and determinate the sex for all fecal samples through the pattern of presence-absence of carboxylic and sulfonic acids (digital coding). The method allowed the discrimination of the evaluated species of the Carnivora, even between closely related and ecologically similar felids. Moreover, our method is low cost and can be executed in a short period of time. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate if the method’s discriminatory power is applicable to other mammalian species. Additionally, the method’s potential to ascertain other intraspecific traits such as age, identity, reproductive and health status is yet to be determined.

Reproductive aspects of the male jaguar (Panthera onca): A review

Objective: To describe the anatomy, morphology and physiology of the reproductive system of male jaguars, as well as assisted reproduction techniques. Methodology: A literature review on the anatomy and morphology of the jaguar´s reproductive system, its physiological characteristics and assisted reproduction techniques were carried out to document relevant information on the topic. Results: With this review, basic aspects of the morphology of the reproductive system of the jaguars are disclosed, although scarce knowledge is available on their reproduction. The advances in the collection, evaluation and cryopreservation of semen of this feline are shown, in addition to assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, which have a great potential to safeguard the species. Study limitations: The jaguar, an emblematic species of Latinamerica, is an endangered species, like other wild felids species as ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and margay (Leopardus wiedii), which makes it necessary to have a national assisted reproduction program. However, for this to be possible, information about their reproductive physiology is necessary, which is complicated in wild animals and even more so because the reproductive mechanisms greatly differ between felids species. There is scarce information in this regard from its free-living or Mexican zoos, it is for this reason necessary to generate such information. Conclusions: It is necessary to continue working on designing protocols for artificial insemination and other assisted reproduction techniques such as in-vitro fertilization specifically for male Panthera onca.

Assessment of thawed sperm quality from feline species: Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and oncilla (Leopardus gutullus)

This study aimed to evaluate the cryopreservation effects on the semen of oncilla (Leopardus guttulus, n = 5, 15 ejaculates) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis, n = 5, 17 ejaculates) and compare two extenders (commercial and non-commercial extender). An andrological exam was conducted (testicle measurements and penis evaluation), including semen collection by electroejaculation. After collection, the semen was assessed to volume, color, pH, sperm motility, vigor, sperm number in the ejaculate, viability, membrane integrity, and sperm morphology. Samples were centrifuged (300 g for 10 min) and pellet diluted in two extenders (TRIS/glucose/egg yolk and BotuCRIO®), packed into 0.25 mL French straws (20 × 106 spermatozoa/mL), equilibrated at 5 °C for 1 h (<0.5 °C/min), freezing in nitrogen vapor for 20 min. Thawing was achieved at 46 °C for 15 min. Thawed samples were evaluated to the same characteristics and ultrastructural analysis. There is no difference for extenders, but in ocelot the spermatozoa maintained higher quality after thawing. Major defects were increased in thawed samples, especially acrosome injuries, in both species. Semen contamination by urine was remarkable to oncilla (53% of the ejaculates) which can have reduced sperm cryoresistance of this species. Ultrastructural analysis endorsed morphological analysis under light microscopy and identified cells with acrosome vesiculation. In conclusion, the spermatozoa of ocelot were more cryoresistent and the extender commercial and non-commercial were suitable for their cryopreservation. Other extenders should be investigated for oncilla.