Margay

Margay sitting in a tree

Photograph by Roberto Pedraza Ruiz

     Margays have a brownish-yellow to tan coat with black spots, stripes, and splotches,
lengthwise along its body, and white on its chest, belly, and insides of the legs. Margays are mainly tree-dwellers, restricted to forest habitat associated with dense lowland forest below. They originated in Mexico, in the southern side of North America. Margays are intolerant of altered habitat, which is a key cause of their threatened status.  
     Unfortunately, very little is known about the Margay's ecology. Unlike most wild cats, when the forests are destroyed these cats are unable to adjust to the new environment.
     In the late 1980s, the Margay was one of the most heavily exploited cats for the fur trade. In some areas they are still hunted illegally for their coat. In 1991, the Margay was the most common pelt in the southern Mexico fur trade, despite its protected status.
     The combination of over-hunting for fur, capture for the pet trade,
and massive deforestation has destroyed wild populations of this little wild cat. They have never been common and are rare in captivity and in the wild.

How to Help:

     Due to the fact that Margays are not widely known and the lack of knowledge for its needs, researchers do not have quality information for this cat's needs. Organizations like Big Cat Rescue and Panthera accept donations for the cause. You can also help by being a voice for the Margay population and bring awareness to the public.

Sources:

http://bigcatrescue.org/margay-facts/

www.wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/south-america/margay