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The Margay or Leopardus wiedii
Today we continue with the most amazing list of felines that inhabit the planet, this special has done a fantastic count of the felines that are found in all parts of the world from tropical rainforests in South America, through the African savannas and reach icy areas of Siberia, this species has dominated and adapted to any territory where it is the king of the place, a very important piece of all ecosystems. Today it is the turn of El Margay (Leopardus wiedii). Come with me to learn more about this incredible species.
One of the first things I've noticed is that there are 3 groups of big, medium and small cats, in the case of El Margay (Leopardus wiedii) it belongs to small cats, types a cat that lives in trees in the leafy primary forests of South and Central America.
This feline is one of the smallest there is resembles a domestic cat, perhaps a little larger but not so much, its measures are 79 centimeters long and a maximum weight of 9 kilograms, not including the thing that measures 51 centimeters, indicating that in both sexes sexual dimorphism can hardly be noticed.
As for his beautiful coat, we have that it is yellow with tones brown and gray, has multiple spots of black color of are in 90 percent of the body, except in his head and neck where it has black lines, while his tail has rings, in addition, it is quite hairy in comparison with the body, which is, in general, has a very soft texture to the touch.
Sometimes this species is confused with the ocelot, but the ocelot is more terrestrial and a little more robust than the Margay, which has long claws very sharp, used to climb exceptionally, also has very good flexibility especially in its hind legs that allow it to turn in the trees 180 degrees. It is almost cherry like a primate.
Its habitat is found in the great tropical forests of Central America and America of the southern zones of the Andes and Uruguay, formerly it was seen in the United States in the year 1800 but then no more sighting was registered until the present time, it is believed the species this extinct in that territory. Its diet is based on the intake of meat, especially birds, medium-sized mammals, and anything you can catch in the trees because their main behavior is arboreal.
Other of its amazing characteristics is its spectacular eyes which are able to see in the darkest nights, this is possible to specialized cells that are highly reflective behind the retina, also have a highly developed ear which makes it a real killing machine.
Currently, this species is under threat of extinction as many rural populations hunt them to consume their meat and prepare medicinal remedies. This indicates a lack of awareness and government support as there are no protectionist policies for this and other species found in the great jungles of America.
It shares an ability with the Asian long band panther, that of being able to capture its prey in a jump without using any extra support points.
It is hoped that the organizations for the rescue of Margay and other species of the Amazon rainforest will be able to pass laws to protect these species that represent an invaluable living natural heritage.
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