Why is one of the biggest of the big cats also one of the most threatened? Learn more.
BIG CAT MONTH is ending — and we’ve saved a leaping legend for last. Meet the jaguar: an ENDANGERED big cat easily mistaken for a leopard. But there are some key differences:
- Jaguar jaws are two times as strong as a tigers, with the ability to crunch 1,500 lbs (680 kg) per square inch (6.5 cm squared).
- Jaguars are found throughout Central and South America. Brazil is thought to have 50% of the total jaguar population. They’re the only species of big cat that can be found in this region.
- There are no subspecies of jaguars, but there are geographic groups, including those found in Mexico and Guatemala, southern Central America, northern South America, and southern South America.
- Jaguars are a pale shade of yellow and decorated with rosette spots — much like a leopard. Unlike leopards, their rosettes have black spots in the center. Melanistic jaguars are called black panthers — their fur appearing to be a dark shade of black. Only 11% of jaguars have this unique coloring.
- Jaguars can be found in tropical forests, swamps, and coastal land. Jaguars prefer areas with proximity to water, in order to show off their incredible swimming prowess. They are such skilled swimmers that they can even hunt under water.
- Habitat loss continues to be their biggest threat. Despite being found throughout South America, jaguars can no longer be found in Uruguay or El Salvador. 173,000 jaguars can be found in the wild today — only 600 black panthers remain.
- Poaching also threatens jaguars, who are poached for their skin and fangs. A 2020 study confirmed poaching has increased tremendously in Central and South America.
Taking action for International Jaguar Day
International Jaguar Day was established in order to create a conservation agenda for the jaguar and to draw attention to the big cat’s significance. One such stride for jaguars was the historic Jaguar 2030 forum held in 2018, which sought to enact conservation priorities for these big cats who have already lost half of their habitats. By continuing to support organizations implementing these conservation programs, we can safeguard the jaguar’s future.
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