The wild cats of Central America include the jaguar and cougar/puma (big cats), and four smaller wild cats – the jaguarundi, margay, ocelot and oncilla. They can be found throughout the region’s seven countries: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Belize.

wil cats central america mapMore About Central America

Central America is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean (southwest), Caribbean Sea (northeast) and the Gulf of Mexico (north). There are many mountain ranges in Central America, including the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, the Cordillera Isabelia and the Cordillera de Talamanca. Between the mountains are extremely fertile valleys.

The area has an abundance of species and ecosystems, and is considered a “hot spot” because of the numerous threats to its biodiversity.

Central American Wild Cat Species

Big Cats

Jaguar (Panthera onca) – is native to Central and South America. It is the largest cat species in the Americas. They have a similar appearance to leopards, with cream to yellow/orange fur and spots called rosettes. Some jaguars are all black. Jaguars primarily Inhabit rainforests, with a preference for swampy and wooded areas. Read more about the jaguar

Cougar (Puma concolor) – also called a puma, panther, mountain lion and catamount. Cougars live in many different habitats, from swamps to mountain forests. They have a tawny brown coat. Read more about the cougar

Small Wild Cats

Jaguarundi (Felis yagouaroundi) – also called the little otter cat. Extremely shy. Sometimes seen hunting in pairs and communicating with each other using a whistling sound. Lives in lowland areas, but can also be found in swamps and forests. Read more about the jaguarundi

Margay (Leopardus wiedii) – inhabits mostly forests. Looks similar to an ocelot. Most of their life is spent in trees. Read more about the margay

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) – also known as the “painted leopard” due to its markings (stripes, spots and rosettes). Conservation status – Least Concern. Read more about the ocelot

Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) – Looks like an ocelot and margay, but not as large. The cat’s yellow/brown fur is covered in rosettes. Read more about the oncilla

Interested in wild cats in Central America? Leave a comment below.

Wild Cat Conservation in Central America

A list of the various groups based in Central America or conducting wild cat (big cat and small wild cat) conservation work. Central American wild cat conservation, including research and field activities.


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