One small cat and 147 kilometers: longest-known displacement movement by an endangered ocelot Leopardus pardalis

Abstract

Successful protection of imperiled species and habitats is often hindered by a lack of current information. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a wide-ranging and elusive species that is federally endangered in Mexico and the United States, where it is facing growing conservation challenges. We maintained non-baited camera-traps at 89 locations in the Sky Islands of Southern Arizona between April 2024 and October 2025. We reviewed photos and videos to identify species and count individuals present and compared unique spot patterns to identify the ocelot individual. We detected a male ocelot in four different mountain ranges across 388 days, with a displacement distance of ≥ 178.4 km. We confirmed the ocelot was the same individual by matching unique spot patterns on the ocelot. These detections represent the longest-known displacement by an ocelot and a range expansion in Arizona. More importantly, these detections contribute to our understanding of ocelot distribution and provide useful information for the conservation of this endangered species. Conservation is often forced to be reactive rather than proactive. Yet, the opportunity exists to proactively protect suitable habitat in Arizona and ensure cross-border connectivity to facilitate protection of this endangered species.