Originating from South America, the Margay is considered one of the most mysterious members of the cat family. Similar in size to a small domestic cat, the Margay’s coat is brown and yellow with dark spots and stripes throughout. A fully protected species following a period of hunting and severe exploitation, the IUCN lists the species as ‘near threatened’.
IUCN Listing: Near Threatened
At a near threatened risk of becoming extinct in the wild
Fact File
Native Range
South America and Mexico
Natural Habitat
Forest regions
Diet
Carnivorous
Life Expectancy
In the wild: 12 – 14 years
In zoos: Up to 20 years
Breeding
Gestation period:
76 – 84 days. 1 – 2 kittens.
Group Name
No group name due to wild Margay being solitary animals outside of mating season
Active Hours
Night, dusk and dawn
Threats
Loss of habitat, hunting
Fun Fact
Margay is able to move down trees, with its head going before feet (like squirrels). This is possible because they have flexible ankles that are able to rotate 180 degrees!
The Welsh Mountain Zoo supports…
Conservation through Research Education and Action (CREA)
At the Welsh Mountain Zoo, we’re dedicated to supporting conservation efforts for one of the world’s most elusive small cats — the Margay. Through fundraising for CREA (Conservation through Research, Education, Action), we contribute to a pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife through research, education, and fieldwork. The Margay Project uses innovative arboreal camera traps in Panama’s Cocobolo Forest to learn more about this mysterious, tree-dwelling feline — gathering crucial data on its habits, behaviour, and ecological needs.
With rainforest habitats under increasing threat around the globe, understanding how species like the Margay live in the wild is vital. This research helps shape targeted conservation strategies that not only give Margays a fighting chance but also protects the rich ecosystems they call home. By supporting CREA, we’re helping ensure that the conservation of individual species goes hand-in-hand with safeguarding entire forest landscapes for generations to come.
