The Margay (Leopardus wiedii) is a spotted cat native to Central and South America. Named for Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, it is a solitary and nocturnal animal that prefers remote sections of the rainforest. Although it was once believed to be vulnerable to extinction, the IUCN now lists it as “Near Threatened”. It roams the rainforests from Mexico to Argentina.

Of all of the felines, the Margay is most adapted for a true arboreal life. It is the only cat to possess the ability to rotate its hind legs 180° , enabling it to run head first down trees like squirrels. It can also hang from a branch by one hind foot!

Margay Habitats

The margay inhabits the forested areas of tropical America. It is not a common animal and its habits are not well-known.

It is expert at climbing trees, in which it is likely to be found resting during the day. The margay spends some of its time foraging in trees catching birds and small mammals, but also captures prey on the ground. Very little is known about its food habits except that the opossum is known to be included in its diet.

Margays Enemies

The margay has been one of the most heavily exploited Latin American cats, with an average annual net trade reported to CITES of 13,934 skins between 1976 and 1984.

Trade statistics probably do not reflect the actual number of margays killed, as margays began to appear in international trade at a time of concern over the level of exploitation of the ocelot, and species of spotted cats in trade were rarely verified.

Margay’s pelt was the most common in the skin trade in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, despite its protected status. A margay skin sold for US$ 5-10, while an ocelot pelt could fetch US$ 50-90. However, deforestation is now the primary threat to reduced populations now that international trade has virtually ceased.

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