Eyra

 

Eyra (Herpailurus yagouaroundi or Felis eyra)

                                            Eyra or jaguarandi

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.