Margay
A species of American spotted cats Scientific name : Leopardus wiedii Genus : American spotted cats
Margay, A species of American spotted cats
Scientific name: Leopardus wiedii
Genus: American spotted cats
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Rictor Norton & David Allen , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The IUCN leads the long-tailed cat at the pre-warning level (near threatened).
General Info
Lifespan
12-17 years
Diet
Margay primarily feeds on small mammals, specifically rodents. Crucial to its diet are birds, reptiles, and insects. Its exceptional climbing abilities aid in catching arboreal prey.
Appearance
Margay is a small to medium-sized cat, notable for its dense, soft fur, which exhibits a unique pattern of dark rosettes, streaks, and spots against a golden-tawny to grayish base color. It has slender, elongated body shape with a notably long and bushy tail. Both genders appear alike and there aren't any significant changes in appearance due to age or subspecies.
Behavior
Margay is largely a solitary and nocturnal hunter, with remarkable climbing abilities that facilitate arboreal foraging. It habitually leaves claw markings on trees within its territory, signaling presence to others. Notably, this species possesses unique vocal communication, including whistle-like calls for mating.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Rictor Norton & David Allen , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Carnivores Family
Cats Genus
American spotted cats Species
Margay