Jaguar
(Panthera onca)
Color
Yellowish to tawny, spotted with black rosettes or rings in horizontal rows along the back and sides; most rings are tan inside, with 1 or 2 black spots.
Size and Weight Range
The jaguars size can range from 2.1 – 2.5 ft. Its weight can range from 100 to 250 lbs.
Characteristics
The jaguar has a compact body, a broad head and powerful jaws.
Animal group
Animalia.
Animal Habitat
Found near water in warm, tropical savannas and forests within core of their range. In the northern portion of the range, found in thornscrub, desertscrub, and grasslands. Vegetation communities used in Arizona range from Sonoran desertscrub at lower elevations to sub-alpine mixed conifer in the mountain ranges.
Where Jaguars are found
Jaguars have relatively large home ranges, the actual size depending on topography, habitat composition, prey base, and population dynamics. Contiguous habitats, or river corridors provide for movement corridors, particularly for dispersing males. They are mainly found in AZ, NM, Mexico
Food
Generalist predator, taking mammals, birds, fish, larger reptiles (turtles and caimans)
Facts about the Jaguar
1. Jaguars are the biggest cats in America and the third largest cats in the world.
2. Jaguars can see six times better than humans at night or during darker conditions due to a layer of tissue in the back of the eye that reflects light.
3. The jaguar is a top-level predator. It doesn't have any natural predators other than humans, who hunt them for their fur or sport.
Why is this animal Endangered?
The Jaguar does not have any natural predators. They are endangered because humans hunt them just for their fur.
How many are left?
It is estimated that there are now only around 15,000 jaguars left in the wild and conservation is centering on the establishment of protected national park areas which may serve to reduce the decline of the jaguars' natural habitat.
How can we stop their extinction?
We can stop their extinction by helping to stop hunters hunting for their fur. People can create groups or even donate money to help stop them. If the world all comes together to help, we can stop them