In captivity, Ocelots have lived more than 20 years, as compared to 7-10 years in the wild. The Ocelot is found in very diverse habitats including rain forest, montane forest, thick bush, semi-deserts, coastal marsh, and along river banks, but it is never found in open country. They weigh approximately 8.5 ounces at birth. The females reach maturity at around 1 years, and around 2 years for males. They become independent at around 1 year of age, but seem to be tolerated in their natal range for up to another year.
Ocelots are solitary and territorial.
They will also take larger prey such as lesser anteaters, deer, squirrel monkeys and land tortoises. They will also take advantage of seasonal changes and the abundance of fish and land crabs during the wet season. Occasionally, the will take birds and reptiles. Ocelots have a small litter size, one of the longest gestations and growth rates among the small felids, and a high infant mortality rate. Add this difficulty in sustaining its own population with deforestation and habitat destruction, and the survival of this beautiful little species becomes even more difficult.