Comments on: Cryptid Jaguarundi Research

By: Saint Vitus

Saint Vitus — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:40:35 +0000

There have also been reports of jaguaruindi sightings in the St. Mark’s area in the panhandle. It would not surprise me at all if there were a few jaguarundis in Florida, because there are so many exotic species there, but it would surprise me if there were a native population. The closest known native population is in South Texas, in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

By: kittenz

kittenz — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:33:21 +0000

Speaking of DNA testing, does anyone know of any updates on the planned DNA tests for the black bobcat that was trapped a few months ago?

By: dmpelley

dmpelley — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:50:48 +0000

Thanks to everyone for taking a look at this entry, and a special thanks to Loren for posting the video.
Bake Neko, you hit the nail on the head. Small cats are extremely elusive, compounded with the fact that probably 90% of the human population in the state has never even heard of an animal called “jaguarundi”. How can you be looking for something if you don’t even know it exists?
Part of what we are trying to do down here is establish an ongoing, very public research group that pushes public awareness through education. Not only will this help us locate populations of these cats throughout the state, but it will also set the groundwork for future conservation efforts once the cat receives the “official” status it deserves.
Lastly, a little nugget that might be of interest to readers: it would appear that the jaguarundi existed in Florida during the Pleistocene period(Journal of Mammalogy, Vol. 45, No. 2 (May, 1964), pp. 330-332).
This information is exciting because it could indicate that our Florida jaguarundi represents a relict population-a genetically different species. Granted, its a long shot-but I for one absolutely cannot wait until we can get some genetic work done on this cat!
Puma yaguarondi floridensis?
Good stuff!

By: Munnin

Munnin — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:33:36 +0000

Intriguing. The eyewitness’s description seems apt for a Jaguarundi.

By: Bake Neko

Bake Neko — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 06:30:52 +0000

Fascinating. I think the jaguarundi could very well be in Florida and other areas of North America. Some felids can be extremely elusive. Take the Iriomote wild cat for example. Some of the people who have lived there their whole life have never seen the cat and some don’t even believe it exists. And thats just one of the Yaeyama Islands.(the dwindling population probably has a lot to do with this though) In an area as large as Florida the jaguarundi could remained undetected by the local populace for quite a long time. Looking forward to seeing more of Mr. Pelley’s findings.

By: kittenz

kittenz — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:00:52 +0000

I’ve always thought that there are jaguarundis as far east as Florida and probably there are scattered populations as far north as the Missouri and Ohio River Valleys. I hope that their presence is confirmed soon. The sooner we know they’re there, the sooner we can begin to protect them.