The jaguarundi, a small wild cat found from Texas to Argentina, is declining due to habitat loss and persecution but remains poorly studied and conservation-neglected.
Jaguarundis killed on roads suffer traumatic death. Individuals persecuted by farmers die from shooting or trapping. As a small, cryptic species they receive minimal conservation resources compared to larger felids. Their broad habitat tolerance means they can persist in disturbed landscapes, but increasing fragmentation reduces connectivity between populations. Community education that distinguishes jaguarundis from larger perceived threats reduces persecution.