Facts About Jaguars

The jaguar is the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere coming in third behind the tiger that is second to the lion. Jaguar is a native Indian word meaning "the killer that takes its prey in a single bound." This magnificent animal is solitary, terrestrial, delights in swimming and is an adept tree climber. Jaguar is a symbol of power, strength and beauty. This powerful wild cat is the only animal that roars.

Early indigenous cultures such as the Olmes, Maya and Aztecs worshiped the jaguar as a God. Jaguars are commonly found in Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, the Yucatan Peninsular, Guatemala and Belize. Belize has the largest population of jaguars.

Jaguars are sometimes confused with the leopard whose markings look similar but different. The jaguar has spots inside of its rosettes and is stockier and heavier than leopards. Jaguars also have a deep chest, large head, shorter legs and a thicker tail than leopards.

Food Habits
The jaguar is an accomplished, versatile, night hunter. The jaguar uses its eye-shine which is similar to the shine you see in your dog's or cat's eye at nights to get an edge over its prey. The diet of the jaguar varies; it eats a wide variety of food such as, collard peccaries, sloths, nine-banded armadillos, paca, brocket dears, turtle, dogs, snakes, iguanas and fruits such as avocados. This strong animal can drag a carcass the size of a cow for a distance of up to a mile.

Reproduction
The jaguar's reproduction process is very interesting. The jaguar will copulate for up to one hundred times per day. Births are timed to occur during the rainy season when prey is most abundant so that there is enough food available for the family. The litter will consist of 2-4 babies at a time. The jaguar is solitary except when mating and can live for up to 23 years.

Threats to the Juguars
These animals have faced and are still facing extinction from humans who are their main threat.
Jaguars are sought after for their skin which is used to make coats.
Ranchers trap and poison jaguars found feeding on their live stocks.
Deforestation as a result of mining, logging, and farming frequently disrupts the jaguar's territory. This results in less food and fewer mates for the jaguars.

What Can We Do to Help?
There are several animal groups that we can volunteer with to help prevent the jaguar's plight of extinction.
For more information visit www.catsurvivaltrust.org
www.wwf.canada.org