About 80% of the U.S. ocelot population resides on private ranches in South Texas, where large, undisturbed thornscrub patches provide essential habitat. Using camera traps from 2011 to 2018, we assessed ocelot habitat use on the East Foundation’s El Sauz Ranch. Ocelots preferred larger, regularly shaped woody patches and were less likely to be detected during drought. Seasonal habitat use was influenced by patch size and landscape configuration, highlighting the need for strategic brush management to maintain and expand suitable habitat. These findings demonstrate the value of landscape metrics in guiding conservation efforts for ocelots in working rangelands.
