Margay
Leopardus weidi
|
Margay Leopardus weidi |
Body Length(mm) -450-800 Weight (kg) - 2-3 average Litter Size - 1 average Life Span - 13-18 years Status - Least Concern
L.w.amazonicus - Upper Amazon L.w.boliviae - Bolivian & Brazilian Andes L.w.cooperi - S.Texas, Mexico L.w.glauculus - Mexico L.w.nicaraguae - Central America L.w.vigens - N.E.Brazil, Guyanas L.w.wiedi - S.Brazil, Uraguay, N.Argentina L.w.yucatanicus - Mexico |
The
Margay, also known as the Long Tailed Spotted Cat, is
similar in appearance to the Ocelot - its body however is
smaller, growing up two 25-27 inches and in comparison
with the Ocelot, the margay displays longer legs and
tail. The range of
the margay extends from Mexico down through Peru, parts
of Paraguay to the northern areas of Argentina. The cats
markings are similar to that of the ocelot and its
smaller relative the tiger cat or oncilla - having dark
ringed rosette markings on a tawny to yellow/buff
background. However the rosettes are commonly less well
defined than in the ocelot and appear more frequently as
solid blotches along its back - regional differences in
overall coat colour occur, with margays from mountain
elevations having darker and thicker coats than there
lowland forest neighbours. The margay lives exclusively
in forested areas and is the most accomplished climber of
all its fellow cats. Totally at home in the branches, it
has specially adapted claws and ankle joints which can
move through 180 degrees, enabling it to move with almost
monkey like ease amongst the tree tops. Its agility is
demonstrated by the apparent ease at which the cat can
scamper down the trunks of trees head first and run
upside down beneath branches. The margay hunts almost exclusively by night and its prey includes birds, small monkeys, tree frogs and insects which inhabit the forest canopy - however it will also take prey from the ground and has been know to supplement its diet with fruit. Little is known of this small cat but the pressures of hunting for its fur and for the pet trade has led the margay to be threatened in many areas of its habitat. In the north of its range it is now almost extinct and it is listed in CITES Appendix 1 as an endangered species.
|
