Unusual observation of an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) eating an adult Linnaeus's two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus)

Abstract

The behaviour of an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) eating from an adult Linnaeus' two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) was described. Observation was made at the Viruá National Park of northern Brazil. The sloth had an estimated weight of 7. kg and a portion of its hairs were plucked after the kill. The ocelot began to eat its prey by the braincase. Three days after the finding, only the harder parts of skin and the bones of the extremities of the sloth remained. Field observations of ocelots while eating are very rare and sloths are unusual prey. © 2010 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde.