Ocelot Adaptations

Ocelots are small cats that live in rainforests. They are active at night and are solitary hunters. They sleep in trees to protect themselves from other predators. Their coats have spotted patterns, which helps them hide in the light and shadow of the rainforest. Some parts of the rainforest are already becoming savannah due to people cutting down trees and clearing ground for farming. Climate change will change weather patterns. The Amazon may become hotter and dryer, and desert areas could develop. The ocelot’s habits, like being solitary and hunting at night, would not change. They could lose their spots to blend in better with grass or sand. Their ears could get bigger to hear better while hunting, and to lose excess body heat. They could grow fur over the pads on their feet to protect from hot ground. They would learn how to make dens in the ground.