The Ocelot Evolves

The ocelot is a medium-sized spotted wild cat that can be found in the tropical and subtropical rainforests of Central and South America. With the effects of climate change on the tropical rainforest, including rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, the tropical rainforest may become a savanna, potentially with fragmented patches of dry forest. This will also cause biodiversity to shift, as many prey species to the ocelot may decline, leading to an expansion in their diet or hunting range. For this reason, a change ocelots may go through is smaller, slimmer bodies. This will help with speed and energy efficiency within their bodies. They may also see a lighter fur pattern to blend in better with the environment, contrasting that of the rainforest. The claws of the ocelot may also see adaptations, as their current claws for tree-climbing will need to adapt to new necessities for digging and rocky landscapes.