Leopardus wiedii, commonly known as the margay, is a small and agile wild cat found in the rainforests of Central and South America. Distinguished by its large eyes and long tail, the margay is an expert climber, capable of rotating its ankles 180 degrees to descend trees headfirst. Its spotted fur provides excellent camouflage in the dense forest undergrowth.

The Margay (Leopardus wiedii) is native to the Neotropical region, primarily found in Central and South America. Its geographical distribution extends from southern Mexico, through Central America (including countries like Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras), and into South America, reaching as far south as northern Argentina and Uruguay. Notably, the species is also present in parts of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.

The Margay primarily inhabits dense tropical and subtropical forests. It is well-adapted to life in evergreen and deciduous forests, including both lowland and montane regions. The species favors areas with dense canopy cover, which provides ample opportunities for arboreal activity. The climate in these regions is typically warm and humid, with significant rainfall throughout the year.

The Margay is an arboreal predator, uniquely adapted to life in trees. It occupies a niche as a nocturnal and solitary hunter, feeding primarily on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Its arboreal adaptations, such as flexible ankle joints that allow it to descend trees head-first, enable it to exploit resources in the forest canopy that other terrestrial predators cannot access. This niche specialization allows the Margay to coexist with other carnivores by reducing direct competition for food resources.