It is one of the only two species of feline in the world that can rotate its ankle to descend from the trees with its head downwards.

At Terra Natura Benidorm we have received the arrival, for the first time, of a margay (Leopardus wiedii); It is one of the only two species of felines in the world with the ability to rotate its ankle, as does the clouded panther. This curious characteristic allows this feline to descend from trees with its head downwards, as squirrels do.

This female margay, named Lecia, comes from the Liberec Zoo in the Czech Republic. She is just over a year old and weighs about 2.5 kilos. This species is classified as near threatened, according to IUCN data, due to the fact that its populations are in decline. On the other hand, its trade is regulated by CITES.

For this reason, this species has an EAZA Ex Situ Programme, created to control and manage the population of this species in captivity and thus ensure its future. Terra Natura Benidorm is part of the EEP for this species. Within this project of conservation and management of animal populations, the nature park hopes to incorporate a male margay soon with the aim of achieving the reproduction of this species.

Our team of vets carried out a visual check-up to see his general condition and avoid stress to the animal. During the observation, it has been checked that she has a good coat, good colour, that she has no wounds and that its behaviour is normal. In the next few days, the animal will be kept under observation to see if it is eating properly.

Visitors will be able to visit Lecia in the American continent of Terra Natura Benidorm. Margays are small, spotted felines that resemble ocelots. This species stands out for its climbing skills and its fondness for trees.

They are active during the day and night, and are usually solitary animals that form temporary pair bonds, which are formed during the breeding season. They feed on a wide range of prey, including terrestrial and arboreal mammals, birds and their eggs, amphibians, reptiles, as well as arthropods and sometimes even fruit.

Poaching pressure on this species has decreased considerably thanks to international protection, although poaching still occurs. The almost exclusive use of forest habitat may make the margay more vulnerable than other cats, such as ocelots, due to the negative effects of habitat destruction and fragmentation.