Habitat:
Primary evergreen and deciduous forests

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The margay is a small arboreal wild cat species found from Mexico to northern Argentina. Solitary and nocturnal, it spends most of its time in trees, hunting birds, monkeys, and small mammals with exceptional climbing skills. It can rotate its ankles up to 180° to grasp branches and uses its long tail for balance. During the breeding season, the female emits a long moaning call to attract the male, which responds with trilling sounds and head shakes before mating high in the trees.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Photograph at a distance using at least a 400 mm telephoto lens to avoid disturbing this arboreal cat. Choose soft light at dawn or dusk, when the margay is active. Position yourself discreetly near a branch or liana to observe natural behaviors. Use a silent tripod and disable noisy autofocus. Be patient: the margay is nocturnal and may require hours of observation. Respect its territory and avoid disturbance during the breeding season.