ScienceAugust 18, 2026
jaguarundi
hah-gwah-ROON-dee
Definition
A small, long-bodied wild cat native to the Americas, characterized by its non-cat-like appearance and diurnal hunting habits.
Etymology
The word originates from the Tupi-Guarani language, with 'yaguar' meaning jaguar and 'undi' referring to the animal's uniform, unspotted coat color.
In the news
The article discusses the jaguarundi as an often-overlooked species whose conservation status has been re-evaluated due to new research data. It highlights how the cat's appearance and behavior have led to misconceptions about its population density.
This Strange-Looking Cat Lives Across the Americas but Scientists Say It’s Surprisingly Rare and Endangered
Read the full article ↗ZME Science