Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) Predation on Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)

We collected details on the predation of four agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata) by ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). All kills were made outside of the typical agouti activity period (< 0500 h). Agoutis were captured from behind and killed with a bite through the back of the skull. The kill sites for two female agoutis were significantly closer to their den sites than expected, while kill sites for two males were not. All carcasses were completely covered by leaves during the day and were fed on during night hours. Predation by ocelots can be a significant cause of mortality for agoutis at Barro Colorado Island (BCI).