How are the margays young taken care of?

After the gestation period of 78-84 days, the female margay gives birth to usually a single kitten, rarely two. The young is initially cared for and nursed solely by the mother.

* The youngster remains in the shelter made by the mother for the first few weeks; later on, it starts accompanying her on the expeditions for food.

* The weaning period lasts for about two months. After four to six months, it becomes self-sufficient and leaves the mother.

* They reach sexual maturity at about two years of age. In the wild, margays live for 10-12 years.