The missing feline from a vessel intercepted by the JDF Coast Guard at Hendriks Wharf, Black River in St Elizabeth yesterday, is a juvenile ocelot and not a tiger cub as was initially reported.

The ocelot is about the size of a young domestic cat and has a dark, spotted coat.

The Ministry of Agriculture said the ocelot was among a set of animals the authorities theorise were being smuggled into the country.

The small fishing vessel also contained some monkeys and birds, which have since been confiscated.

None of the animals on the vessel was approved by the veterinary services division for entry into Jamaica.

Therefore, the health status of these animals and the risk they may present are currently unknown.

Director of Veterinary Service at the ministry Dr Sophia Ramlal noted that the ocelot remains at large and members of the public are advised to be on the lookout for the animal, which is a wild cat and not native to Jamaica.

The Veterinary Services Division, in collaboration with the National Environment and Planning Agency, Customs Enforcement Team, the Hope Zoo, the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force are managing the situation.

Citizens are being advised to urgently report to any sightings of the ocelot and should not seek to harm or capture the animal.