AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Leopardus wiedii
Margay
(Schinz, 1821)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small arboreal feline with large eyes and a very long tail, adapted to life in the canopy.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
CaucelGato tigre
Tree ocelot
Gato-peludoTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carnivora
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Felidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Leopardus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Schinz, 1821)
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Closely associated with dense, evergreen forests.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is the most arboreal feline in the Americas; it spends most of its life in trees.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary animal with mainly nocturnal habits.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Feeds on small arboreal mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Controller of small vertebrate populations in the high strata of the forest.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Gestation lasts about 80 days and usually a single cub is born.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
45.0 - 80.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2.60 kg - 4.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
76 - 84
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 14 Years
Females10 - 14 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Can rotate its hind legs 180 degrees to descend trees vertically.
Extremely flexible ankles and long retractable claws for superior grip on thin branches.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly vulnerable to deforestation due to its dependence on dense forest.
Illegal trade for the exotic pet market and hunting for its fur.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It has been documented that the margay can mimic the calls of its prey to lure them.
It is capable of jumping up to 3.7 meters horizontally between tree canopies.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
