Habitat selection of the margay (Leopardus wiedii) in the eastern Andean foothills of Ecuador

Resumen

The margay ( Leopardus wiedii ) is a small felid currently facing critical population declines in many regions throughout its Central–South American range. This species is thought to be the most arboreal of the New World felids, which has led to concern that it may be especially sensitive to deforestation and habitat destruction. Due to the margay’s elusive nature, little is known about its ecology and natural history. In the present study, a camera trap survey was used to investigate whether margay abundance and activity patterns are correlated to vegetational structure in a mid-elevation forest in the eastern Andes of Ecuador. Structural habitat variables were measured at each camera station to assess whether these factors were predictive of margay camera “trap” success. The data show that canopy cover, average distance to nearest trees, and distance to forest edge were significant predictors of margay trap success, although compositional analysis indicated that the highest margay presence was in areas of 51–75% canopy cover rather than the very densest locations. These results highlight the importance of curbing habitat destruction and deforestation as part of efforts to reverse the margay’s declining population trend and protect its habitat.