A chromosome-level genome assembly of the Texas ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens)

The ocelot, Leopardus pardalis, is a medium-size member of the cat family Felidae found throughout the Neotropics. This solitary, nocturnal species is of increasing conservation concern in the United States due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Historically, the northern extent of the species range extended throughout the American Southwest. Today this subspecies, Leopardus pardalis albescens, is restricted to just two small, isolated populations in South Texas. Conservation genomics can provide invaluable insights into the genetic status and management of declining populations, however, there is currently no reference genome available for this species. To address this deficit, here we report a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for the Texas ocelot, with a total length of 2.47 Gb placed on 211 scaffolds. The assembly is highly contiguous, with a contig N50 of 84 Mb and 99.2% gene completeness. This assembly provides a key genomic resource that will enhance ongoing conservation and management strategies for this endangered subspecies.