The Margay, a beautiful spotted cat originated from Central and South America, loves to roam in rainforests. They look very similar to their relative, Ocelot. However, they are perhaps the most adept feline tree climbers in the world.
The Margay is a small wild cat that hunts at night [Sand Cat also hunts at night] and lives a solitary life. It can weight from 6 to 20 lbs (2 - 9kg) with a tail that is about the same length of its body. The Margays have many physical traits that make them the perfect tree climbers. Their long legs, lengthy tail and flexible joints give them the advantage to move swiftly and effortlessly in the trees. They almost always stay in the trees because it creates a safe ground for them from all the predators. They can leap from branches to branches with their tail that does wonders in balancing. They can even hang themselves upside down like a primate with just their hind legs. The Margays are the only felines that can turn their ankles 180 degrees outwards, so they can flexibly harness themselves with 2 feet while using their front legs to reach out for food.
(Click the video below to meet a beautiful Margay)
The Margay has two large round eyes that provide excellent vision when hunting at night. Their eyes glow brightly in the dark like two light bulbs. These nocturnal felines are very secretive and often find a remote, less populated area to reside. They mainly feed on tree dwelling rats, opossum, birds, insects, monkeys and squirrels.
These beautiful wild cats are known to live up to 20 years in captivity.
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Image via Flickr: mottazoo