Margay
Leopardus wiedii
Here at Banham Zoo
Can you spot our elusive margays, Marvin and Tepin? These clever predators are known to mimic the calls of their prey such as pied tamarins to lure them down from the treetops.
Although they are relatively small, with a body length of 48-79 cm, margays have an incredibly varied diet, feeding on everything from lizards to monkeys. Unfortunately, their population is in decline due to deforestation and illegal hunting.
Where Do I Live?
Central and South America
The margay is found in forests of Central and South America, where they are mainly active at night.
What Do I Eat?
Margays mainly hunt small Mammals, but will also eat birds or lizards. They have even been known to hunt small monkeys!
How Do I Breed?
Females are pregnant for around 80 days and usually give birth to only one kitten. This kitten opens its eyes at two weeks of age and reaches adult size after ten months.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Near Threatened (NT)
Close to qualifying for Vulnerable.
Sadly numbers of margay are decreasing in the wild due to deforestation, and also through illegal hunting and trade.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Margay
located?
Our
Margay
is located in our
Cat Zone
, map reference
3
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
