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Animal Database
Margay
Margaykat Leopardus wiedii
Information
Range Mexico to Argentina.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Felidae
Genus Leopardus
Species Leopardus wiedii
Conservation Status
NTSpecies
Near Threatened

The Margay is a species from the Leopardus genus. The word "margay" comes from Spanish margay and Portuguese maracajá via Old Tupi marakaîá.

Characteristics[]

The Margay is about two feet tall from feet to shoulders, three feet long and weighs about five to twelve pounds. It has gray to golden-brown fur with black and brown spots. The spots on its sides are often different shapes and are often black with a brown center.

Distribution and habitat[]

The Margay can be found in the lowlands of northern Mexico, through Central America, and into South America. Within this range, the species is closely tied to primary forest (tropical dry forest, very humid tropical evergreen forest, very humid premontane forest, and montane cloud forest.

Behavior and ecology[]

Unlike most cat species, the Margay does most of its hunting above ground, preying on arboreal and nocturnal prey, such as rodents, birds, and insects. It is also known to eat fruit. It rests in trees during the day (at least seven feet off of the ground) and is an agile climber and leaper.

Diet[]

The Margay eats a wide variety of food including birds, bird eggs, small mammals, reptiles and fruit. It hunts primarily in trees.

Lifespan[]

Needs Information

Taxonomy[]

Local names[]

Gallery[]

Facts[]

  • Like house cats, baby margays are called kittens.
  • Margays are ambush hunters.
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