Predation of a Red-browed Amazon, Amazona rhodocorytha (Salvadori, 1890), in Captivity by a Wild Margay, Leopardus wiedii (Schinz, 1821)

Authors: Ana Carolina Srbek-Araujo* , Bárbara Victor Sonegheti and Luiza de Carvalho Alzuguir

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000643

Volume 8, Issue 1

Abstract

Leopardus wiedii is a small neotropical felid whose diet primarily consists of small mammals, although birds may constitute significant prey in certain regions. Although birds are part of the margay’s diet, no studies have documented psittacid predation in the wild. The only reported case of psittacid predation by the margay occurred in a scientific aviary in southern Brazil, within enclosures located in a forest remnant. The present study reports the predation of an Amazona rhodocorytha in captivity by a wild margay in southeastern Brazil. The predation likely occurred at night when the felid entered in the enclosure situated approximately 10 m from the forest edge. The parrot was partially consumed, and the margay was found trapped inside the enclosure the following morning. We suggest that psittacid predation, if it occurs in the wild, is opportunistic and sporadic. This rarity may be due to the social behavior of psittacids, which helps detect potential threats, and their use of high tree branches, making them less accessible to non-flying predators. These behaviors may result in a low predation rate, hindering detection in margay diet studies.

Keywords: Atlantic Forest; Felidae; Opportunistic Predator; Predator-Prey Interaction; Psittacidae

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