Marguay Felis (Leopardus) Wiedii
© Josie Shadwell
Sometimes called the long-tailed spotted cat, the name marguay is another version of "marguey" which translates as "tiger cat". It is also referred to as the little or tree ocelot. This small spotted Latin American Marguay is the about the same size as a domestic cat and the jaguarundi, which is found in the same regions. These little cats live almost exclusively in humid evergreen forests. Slightly larger than the oncilla, the Marguay has a much longer tail and is rather more blotched than spotted, but otherwise is extremely similar. They have slim, graceful bodies with long legs. Marguays are smaller and more slightly built than ocelots, but their colorings and markings are very alike. The yellowish-brown coat of the Marguay is thick and soft. There is white on the belly, chest, throat, chin and the insides of the limbs. Markings on the body are dark brown longitudinal rows of blotches; the centers of each spot are paler but darker than the ground color. The backs of the ears are black with white central spots. Marguays tails are spotted and ringed. The skull of the Marguay is rather small and distinctly rounded. The Marguay is an extremely arboreal felid. One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Marguay is the exceptionally flexible ankle joint, broad flat feet, extremely mobile toes and claws. This adaptation enables the Marguay to almost climb like a monkey. It allows the Marguay, unlike most cats, to run headfirst down a tree. This is quite evidently an important adaptation for a tree-dwelling animal. They can grasp branches equally well with their fore and hind paws. They are able to jump considerable distances between branches and trees. Marguays have been observed to hang from branches with only one foot. This cat appears to be almost entirely nocturnal. Its diet consists of small tree living mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. It will descend to the ground for a meal if needed. This ability of the Marguay greatly extends the range of prey that this secretive wild cat can enjoy. Marguays, which live in mountainous regions, tend to be more heavily marked and thicker furred than the lowland animals. Human encroachment, loss of habitat, and hunting pressure are the main threat to this cat.
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