Photo from Wikimedia commons

Species of the day: Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) – This amazing animal is a small wildcat that is closely related to mountain lions. However, it is much smaller – about double the size of a house cat. They eat small animals such as birds, rodents and reptiles. Occasionally they will catch animals as large as opossums. Habitat loss is thought to be an important threat to this species. Sadly, we got to see first hand how dangerous living near humans can be for these interesting cats. The one we saw had just been hit by a truck as it tried to cross the road. Despite moving it off the road and into the shade we were unable to save it. If we are lucky maybe we will see another one under happier circumstances.