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5 Magnificent Brazilian Mammals

Cougar, Mountain Lion, Puma concolor

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5Magnificent Brazilian Mammals
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We greatly hope that each of you will be thoroughly tantalized by, and hopefully educated about, these choices of 5 Magnificent Brazilian Mammals. It was certainly our very great pleasure to compile the relevant information for you, our readers, to benefit from.

Naturally, these few species represented here account for only the barest fraction of the mammalian species to be found in this region. While mammals appear across virtually all portions of the globe, in this region they abound. So, enjoy the read!

Margay

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Margay Facts

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Margay Physical Description

Although it certainly qualifies as an impressive animal, the amazing Margay does not attain this status due to physical size. That’s because the feline only attains a small size in terms of sheer mass. In fact, it reaches a maximum known weight of as much as 8.8 lb (4 kg).

The body length of mature adult specimens further averages about 31 in (79 cm). The tail, meanwhile, somewhat surprisingly grows to a length equal to a significant percentage of the length of the body. This generally measures 20 in (51 cm) in length.  

Its fur also displays a distinctive pattern. This consists of a light brown that appears splotched with dark brown or black blotches and streaks. In the meantime, the stomach of this creature generally displays an off-white, and the tail has multiple bands, with a black tip.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Margay remains the fact that it has a remarkable evolutionary adaptation in its ankles. These evolved to be so flexible that the cats can actually walk down a tree trunk headfirst. It’s one of only two known to possess this ability.

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Margay Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite unfortunately, the gorgeous animal known as the Margay only inhabits a relatively small section of the world. This holds true because of the fact that it only appears in a limited area composed of sections of North America, Central America, and South America.

However, evidence also indicates that this beautiful creature once ranged as far north as the states of Georgia and Florida, in the United States.  Even within this range of habitation, though, amazing the creature has very specific preferences for its choice of habitat.

That’s true, first, since this truly amazing wildcat lives almost exclusively in areas of dense forest. Second, though, this includes such typical habitats as the numerous prominent tropical dry forests, evergreen forests, and cloud forests, sometimes known as fog forest.

The beautiful and truly remarkable Margay also evolved to be principally arboreal in its base nature, quite amazingly. In point of fact, and incredibly, the great majority of individuals often spend their entire lives within the canopy, never coming down.

Finally, the tantalizing wildcat also occasionally establishes its territory in a somewhat hard to believe location. To the amazement of many people, this consists of commercial plantations. Unfortunately, this only further increases its vulnerability to hunting.

Southern Tamandua

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Southern Tamandua Facts

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Southern Tamandua Physical Description

Among its many relatives, collectively known as anteaters, the Southern Tamandua ranks as a roughly medium-sized species, overall. Exact physical size also varies quite significantly, between individuals. This principlly occurs due to their environmental factors.

The animal does not, however, exhibit any noticeable degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. Due to this, individuals of both genders range in head and body length from 13 – 35 in (34 – 88 cm). Its prehensile tail adds another 15 – 26 in (37 – 67 cm).

The weights of mature adults also varies significantly, and again does so regardless of gender. Fully grown adults of either sex, therefore, range in weight from 3.3 – 18.5 lb (1.5 – 8.4 kg). Though not unknown, such extreme variation in size remains fairly uncommon.

Its snout doubtless qualifies as its most noticeable feature, much like its relatives. This develops as highly elongated, thin, and tapering toward the end. It also has 4 claws on its front feet, but five on the rear feet. The tip and underside of the tail develop hairless.

The fascinating mammal possesses yet one more trait to amaze those who learn of it. Uniquely, the basic coloring of the Southern Tamandua also varies within its territorial range. This trait further distinguishes it from the majority, though not all, of other mammals.

That’s because individuals in one part of its range develop as almost entirely blonde in color. Those in another region, meanwhile, may be either brown, blonde or black. But in the other portion of the mammals’ natural range, specimens display tan, brown, and blonde.

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Southern Tamandua Distribution, Range, and Habitat

Though its population groupings appear in scattered concentrations, it has one advantage. That’s due to the fact that it evolved as native to a relatively large portion of the globe. That endemic territorial range includes the majority of the continent of South America.

The remarkabale creature also inhabits the island of Trinidad. Wherever it makes its home, however, it displays decided preferences in its choice of habitat. Fortunately, Nature evolved it into a highly versatile species, capable of existing in several types of habitat.

As a result of this respectable, and beneficial, versatility, individuals and groups appear throughout the entire region. The intrepid animal makes it home in regions of both dry and wet forests. This includes tropical rainforest, savanna, and even areas of thorn scrub.

It further manifests a remarkably strong preference for areas near rivers and streams. There, it especially likes a strong presence of air plants and vines. Experts additionally believe this to be because much of its natural prey also prefers this particular type of habitat.

It’s primarily a solitary creature, in addition to being mainly nocturnal in its habits. It will, however, occasionally display daytime activities. It mainly builds a nest in the trunks of hollow trees, or, on occasion, burrows of other animals that have been abandoned.

The Southern Tamandua also lives a primarily arboreal life, and becomes quite clumsy on the ground. The diet of the animal consists almost entirely of termites and ants. Individuals do, however, occasionally supplement this with relatively small amounts of fruit.

Cougar

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Cogar Facts

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Cougar Physical Description

Unlike some species, the breathtaking Cougar actually impresses us with its size, in addition to other factors. The animal also, however, displays the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In this, in fact, it mirrors virtually all know types of feline, wild and domestic.

In its specific case, though, this trait manifests in terms of size, with males of the species attaining slightly greater lengths and weights. Mature adults of both genders, however, vary greatly in height, averaging between 24 -35 in (60 – 90 cm) tall at the shoulders.

In terms of length, meanwhile, is where the size differences appear the most obvious. The males of this feline attain an average nose-to-tail length equaling roughly 7.9 ft (2.4 m). Females, however, generally reach an overall length of about 6.7 ft (2.05 m).

It bears pointing out, though, that of this total measurement, the tail itself comprises 25 – 37 in (63 – 95 cm) of this. The males, meanwhile, typically reach a weight of between 115 – 220 lb (53 – 100 kg). Females, on the other hand, average 64 – 141 lb (29 – 64 kg).

The Cougar also boasts other impressive statistics. Its rounded head displays erect ears. The feline has a jaw and forequarters powerful enough to grasp large prey. It also has five retractable claws on the forepaws, and proportionately the largest hindlegs in the cat family.

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Cougar Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Pleasantly surprisingly, the gorgeous Cougar inhabits a comparatively large section of the globe. More precisely, it appears in a range that extends from parts of Canada to the Andes in South America. Its greatest concentration, however, is concentrated in North America.

Aiding in its continued existence as a species is the fact that it evolved as a highly adaptable creature. This flexibility allows it to inhabit a wide variety of habitat types within its native range. Most notably, though, these include forests, lowlands, mountains, and arid climates.

Its incredible physique allows the impressive feline some of the greatest leaping and short-sprint ability of any animal. Individuals have the ability to jump as high as 18 ft (5.5 m) in one bound. These also evolved the capacity to leap as far as 40-45 ft (12-14 m) horizontally.

But Nature did not stop there. This animal also boasts some extremely impressive speeds. The top running velocity of the animal also ranges between 40-50 mph (64-80 kph). They remain, however, best capable of short, powerful sprints as opposed to long chases. 

The remarkable Cougar also feeds entirely as a carnivore. As a supremely successful generalist predator, the mammal further feeds opportunistically. Specimens therefore eat any animal they can catch, from insects to large ungulates in excess of 1,100 lbs (500 kg). 

Investigations in Yellowstone National Park showed that elk, followed by mule deer, were the animal’s primary targets. The mammal further evolved as adept at climbing, allowing it to evade canine competitors. Although not strongly associated with water, it does swim.

South American Sea Lion

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South American Sea Lion Facts

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South American Sea Lion Physical Description

It bears mentioning that the truly magnificent South American Sea Lion impresses for reasons other than sheer physical size. That holds true due to the fact that, although a large animal, it actually only ranks as a roughly average-sized species of sea lion.

But, the fascinating creature makes its mark mainly due to several other factors. Firstly, this magnificent example of the power of evolution displays a much more significant degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism than many related species.

For one thing, females of the remarkable species typically attain an average length of roughly 7 ft (2.1 m). These further weigh about 330 lb (150 kg). Meanwhile, males reach an average length of about 9 ft (2.73 m), and most typically mass around 770 lb (349 kg).

Secondly, in addition to be significantly heavier and slightly longer, males of this particular species stand out for yet another reason. This holds true partly due to the fact that males generally develop a much larger head than their female counterparts.

The great majority of males also have one more claim to fame. These generally possess the most highly developed mane of any of the known sea lions. Otherwise, though, mature adults of both genders typically display the same physical appearance.

Quite interestingly, colors vary significantly between individuals, regardless of gender. The colors themselves, though, consist of either a dark orange, or a brown. Finally, both sexes of the amazing South American Sea Lion develop a sharply upturned snout.

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South American Sea Lion Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Not at all surprisingly, the very name itself of the truly awesome South American Sea Lion provides an obvious clue to its native range. That’s because, as the common name implies, the huge mammal evolved as native to a portion of the continent of South America.

But, this includes only a small portion of the region. More precisely, this work of Nature evolved as endemic to the waters off of a total of six countries. This range covers the countries of Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, and southern Brazil.

Even within this limited range, however, the beautiful creature only appears in very specific, and often quite isolated areas. This holds true because the gorgeous South American Sea Lion only inhabits a very narrow zone within the region.

In point of fact, the animal rarely strays far from the shore, relatively speaking. In these areas, it tends to group together in large herds, on rocky outcroppings. The amazing creature also conducts mating practices and nesting practices in the same general region.

The beautiful but powerful animal also evolved as a fully predatory carnivore. In this manner, it possesses the same habits and patterns as its relatives. It also possesses a moderately broad diet, but shows a strong preference for a variety of fish.

Individuals nevertheless also consume other species as well, though usually opportunistically. This other prey mainly includes small cephalopods, such as squids and octopuses. On occasion, though, it has even been seen feeding on penguins and pelicans.

Ocelot

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Ocelot Facts

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Ocelot Physical Description

First of all, the remarkable Ocelot earns its attention for reasons other than sheer size. To be more precise, the beautiful feline qualifies as a moderate-sized variety of wildcat. The species also displays a comparatively moderate degree of sexual dimorphism.

Females of the species often weigh as much as 25 lb (11.3 kg). The males, meanwhile, reach a greater weight of as much as 34 lb (15 .5 kg). Both sexes this beautiful mammal additionally attain an average overall body length of between 22 – 39 in (55 – 100 cm).

That makes the magnificent species significantly smaller in size than most, but not all, wildcats. The moderately impressive tail, however, adds an additional 10 – 16 in (25.5 – 41 cm) to the total length of the feline. It also serves to add to its beauty.

In color, the fur of the gorgeous Ocelot displays predominantly a tawny yellow with numerous black markings. Additionally, the neck and belly typically display a white coloring. Meanwhile, its fur usually remains short on the belly but grows longer on the back.

But, its distinctiveness does not end there. Adding to its visual appeal, the small ears usually remain rounded. These also display a prominent white spot, creating a dramatic effect. The eyes most commonly show a brown color that reflects patterns of gold in bright light.

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Ocelot Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the actual range of the amazing Ocelot covers an extensive region of the globe. More precisely, this zone of habitation extends through portions of the United States, in North America, through Mexico and much of Central America and South America.

But, population densities for the creature also vary somewhat widely throughout its range. However, the highest known density occurring in Panama. In all areas, though, this particular animal inhabits an impressively wide range of habitats.

This flexibility contributed to its numbers rebounding from a few decades ago. These habitat types include such regions as rainforests, scrublands, mangrove forests, and even coastal marshes. It prefers lower elevations, but some occur as high as 9,843 ft (3,000 m).

Like all wildcats, the breathtaking Ocelot also evolved to have an entirely carnivorous diet. Given its habitat range, and its size, its primary prey consists of smaller creatures. Thankfully, however, its native range continues to have an abundance of these.

These include such species as rabbits, rodents, fish, birds, opossums, armadillos, and occasionally small reptiles and even insects. Finally, hunting typically occurs during the evening and at night, but sometimes happens during the day when necessary.

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5 Magnificent Brazilian Mammals

We sincerely hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this article about 5 Magnificent Brazilian Mammals. It’s our further fervent hope that having done so has left you with a new or renewed appreciation of the marvels of our world.

Lamentably, though, many of their fellow denizens of this region now find themselves in dire straits. In this, they echo the plight of species of all kinds around the world today. It’s up to each and every one of us to do all that we can to protect and preserve them.

Check out our other articles on 5 Appalachian Mountains Species, Earth’s Countless Amazing Amphibians, 4 Breathtaking Bays and Inlets, Earth’s Many Magical Moths

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