Eyra (Herpailurus
yagouaroundi or Felis eyra)
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Eyra is a
pretty Welsh name, meaning ‘snow.’
(How is it pronounced? Eye-rah, Ear-ah, Ai-rah or some other?)
The eyra or jaguarundi is a small wildcat, resembling a large, reddish-brown, grey, or brownish-black weasel or otter. It is known as the Otter Cat of the Americas because of its long, streamlined body and otter-like tail. It is similar in size to a large domestic cat, but stands higher at the shoulder. Its head resembles that of an otter, being flattened, with small, rounded ears.
It is diurnal, unlike most wild cats, which are nocturnal, and is secretive and elusive. It can be found in tropical forests as well as deserts and scrubland. Its range covers Central and South America, with the majority living in Peru, Venezuela and Brazil.
Jaguarundis are skilful hunters and eat a varied, carnivorous diet, including rabbits, rodents, reptiles and birds. They breed throughout the year, with each litter bearing between one and four kittens.
It is illegal to hunt them, but they are often persecuted because they kill poultry. The population is declining through loss of habitat, human encroachment, unintentional trapping, and road casualties, though it is considered as of least concern on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
Natural predators include puma, jaguar, ocelot, large snakes, eagles and large hawks.
In captivity, this attractive mammal may live up to fifteen years, but in the wild its lifespan is thought to be around seven to ten years.
Speaking of wild animals, a very intelligent capybara has broken out of a zoo in the UK. If seen, leave her the hell alone. She'd been living in a sanctuary and I bet any money she's trying to return. I'm always team escapee!
ReplyDeleteThat sent me off to Google.
DeleteCapybaras are wonderful creatures. I wish her luck, but think she'd be safer back where she's escaped from. She won't have much road sense, I fear.
DeleteVery pretty animal.
ReplyDeleteI thought so, too.
DeleteGood pets, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteShouldn't think so - too wild. Doubtless, some idiotic human will attempt to breed them as pets.
DeleteThis is an animal I have never heard of before today.
ReplyDeleteThey are very small wild cats - even Maine Coon cats can be bigger.
DeleteI've never heard of this animal. An interesting post.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThe name Eyra does not at all sound familiar, but I seem to have a dim-ish memory of "otter cats" at the Amazonas house (or elsewhere) of Stuttgart's Wilhelma. It's been a while since my last visit there, because I am in two minds about zoos, but I understand that they largely act as preservers of endangered species nowadays.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have concerns about enclosing animals in zoos, though those that are engaged in preservation are more acceptable. Then I wonder about the animals being released into the wild and how they cope, sourcing their own food.
DeleteWhat an unusual creature.
ReplyDeleteIt's not quite like a cat, really, is it?
DeleteHi Janice - I hadn't heard of the Eyra - fascinating animal - thanks for the introduction - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI often wonder how many other wild animals we haven't yet discovered, and just as often hope we don't, since man can never leave well alone!
DeleteI have heard of a jaguarundi before but didn’t know anything about them. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteIt's such an attractive name and sounds larger than it really is!
DeleteBeautiful little creature. It may be illegal to hunt them, but if the laws against it are never enforced, it matters little. And sadly, that’s the case in most countries where they occur.
ReplyDeleteTrue, but I suppose it's hard to value them if they're destroying your food/income source.
DeleteThat's an interesting animal. I've never heard of one before.
ReplyDeleteIt's very attractive, I think.
ReplyDelete