Leopardus

Ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis)

The Pardelkatzen ( Leopardus ) are a predator species of the cat family ( Felidae ). The scientific name Leopardus does not apply to the designated in German as leopard animal that belongs to the genus Panthera.

Pardelkatzen are more representative of the small cats, they are characterized by a gray or yellow -brown fur, which is provided with black spots. All species are native to America.

The following species are included among the Pardelkatzen:

• Pampas cat ( Leopardus colocolo )
• Leopardus braccatus
• Leopardus Pajeros
• Geoffroy's Cat ( Leopardus geoffroyi )
• Chilean Forest Cat ( Leopardus guigna )
• Leopardus guttulus
• Mountain or Andean cat ( Leopardus jacobita )
• Ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis)
• Tiger cat ( Leopardus tigrinus )
• Margay ( Leopardus wiedii )

In many classifications, the Pardelkatzen are divided into three genera, Leopardus, Oncifelis and Oreailurus. It has long been known that these three genera form a monophyletic group, which is sometimes referred to by the best-known representatives as " ocelot - group ". Recent systems such as the Wilson & Reeder (2005) finally summarize the three genera into a single genus.