including the 0.3– 0.6 m (1– 2 ft) tail. Its coat color varies
from dark brown to gray to black, depending on the
individual. The Jaguarundi is totally terrestrial. Like the
other cats, it is essentially solitary.
The other large cat of the Neotropics is the Puma
(Puma concolor; plate 16- 57), also called the Cougar
or the Mountain Lion. Pumas range widely in size;
the largest individuals reach weights of up to 120 kg
(265 lb). The species is widespread, ranging in North
America as far north as parts of Canada and through
Central and South America as far south as Tierra del
Fuego. It is remarkably adaptable, an animal of open
savannas, rain forest, windswept mountains, and many
other habitats. Perhaps the most reliable place to see
Pumas in the Neotropics is along the Andean slopes,
where the cats feed on animals such as the Guanaco
(Lama guanicoe; plate 16- 58), which was discussed in
chapter 13.Neotropical CanidsThe family Canidae (dogs, wolves, and foxes) is not
diverse in the Neotropics, and only a few species
are found either in or around rain forest. The Bush
Dog (Speothos venaticus) and the Short- eared Dog
(Atelocynus microtis) are forest species, and both are
infrequently seen. The Crab- eating Fox (Cerdocyon
thous; plate 16- 59) is an animal of savannas and dry
forest and is relatively common and easily seen.
In addition, Coyotes (Canis latrans) occur in the
Neotropics, though not in humid forest, as does the
Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). The largest canid
in South America is the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon
brachyurus; plate 14- 11). It is found in the open pampas
areas of southeastern Brazil.
Neotropical Marsupials
Most people associate marsupials— kangaroos,
wallabies, wombats, bandicoots— with Australia.
Marsupials are mammals that give birth to premature
young, which migrate to a pouch on the mother’s
abdomen, where they attach to a teat and complete
their development. Almost everyone has seen pictures
of a mother kangaroo with a joey in her pouch.
Mammals that bring young to term in utero are called
placental mammals.
Though Australia is the world’s undisputed marsupial
capital, until relatively recently in geologic time, SouthPlate 16- 59. Two Crab- eating Foxes strolling along in the
Brazilian Pantanal. Photo by John Kricher.Plate 16- 58. Male Puma feasting on a kill, a Guanaco (plate 13-
32), in the Andes Mountains. Photo by Andrew Whittaker.Plate 16- 57. Female Puma aware that she is being observed.
Photo by Andrew Whittaker.344 chapter 16 from monkeys to tarantulas: endless eccentricities