Description[]
The jaguar (Panthera onca ohio) is a large cat species and the only living member of the genus Panthera native to the Americas. It is the largest cat species in the Americas and the third largest in the world. The jaguar has featured prominently in the mythology of indigenous peoples of the Americas, including those of the Aztec and Maya civilizations.
Appearance[]
Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas, known for their compact, muscular build and powerful jaws. Their coat is typically yellow or tan with black rosette-shaped spots, which are more defined on the head and neck and larger on the sides and back. The underside is off-white. Some jaguars are black (melanistic), especially in forested areas, but their spots are still faintly visible.
They stand up to 75 cm at the shoulder, with body lengths of 150 to 180 cm and tails ranging from 70 to 90 cm. Their weight varies significantly by region, from as little as 42 kg in Honduras to over 100 kg in the Brazilian Pantanal. Males are usually 10–20% larger than females.
Jaguars found in dense forests tend to be smaller than those in open habitats, likely due to differences in prey availability. Built for strength over speed, jaguars are capable of dragging heavy prey—such as a 34 kg sea turtle—long distances. They hunt by pouncing on unsuspecting prey.
Distribution[]
Jaguars are found from southern Arizona and New Mexico in the north to northeastern Brazil and northern Argentina in the south. While once widespread, their range has shrunk to about 46% of its original extent, now covering roughly 8.75 million square kilometers. The largest continuous population lives in the Amazon Basin, extending into regions like the Pantanal, Cerrado, and Chaco. Jaguars have been eliminated from areas such as the United States, El Salvador, and large parts of Mexico.
They prefer dense, tropical moist lowland forests with plenty of cover but are also found in reed thickets, scrubland, coastal forests, swamps, and thickets. Jaguars avoid arid regions and high elevations, though they have occasionally been seen as high as 3,800 meters in Costa Rica. They are excellent swimmers and typically live near water sources like rivers, lagoons, streams, and swamps. In northern parts of their range, they can be found in oak woodlands, mesquite thickets, and riparian areas.
To thrive, jaguars require access to water, dense vegetation for cover, and an abundant prey base.
Behavior[]
Jaguars are solitary animals, except during mating or when young cubs are still with their mother. Males have larger territories that may overlap with those of several females but are defended aggressively against other males. Female territories are typically 25 to 38 square kilometers, while males may roam over areas twice that size. Jaguars mark their territory through vocalizations, scraping trees, and leaving scent marks.
They are most active around dawn and dusk but may be active at any time. They rest in shaded areas, under rocks, in caves, or near water—especially during hot or dry seasons. During floods, they may rest in trees. Jaguars are dependent on water and are excellent swimmers, even capable of crossing between islands and shores.
When hunting, jaguars use a stealthy stalk-and-ambush technique, often attacking from a blind spot. Their powerful bite can crush skulls or pierce the shells of turtles. They may even carry large prey through water. Jaguars are also good climbers, though they climb less often than cougars.
Communication is mostly vocal, including grunts and roars used to advertise territory or attract mates. Females in heat make distinct calls late into the night, while males respond with deep, hoarse vocalizations. Cubs use softer sounds like mewing and bleating. Jaguars may also chuff to greet or comfort each other.
In the wild, jaguars typically live 11 to 12 years, though they can live over 20 years in captivity. Major threats include illness, injuries, and especially human activity such as poaching.
Diet[]
Jaguars are strict carnivores with a broad diet, feeding on over 85 different animal species. Their preferred prey includes medium to large mammals such as deer, capybaras, tapirs, and peccaries. They are also known to hunt reptiles and aquatic animals, including turtles, snakes, fish, and even caimans. Large birds and porcupines are also part of their diet.
Jaguars typically hunt by stalking and ambushing their prey from cover. They kill either by biting the neck to suffocate the animal or by piercing the skull with a powerful bite to the brain. Their strong jaws allow them to penetrate tough hides and shells. After the kill, jaguars usually drag their prey to a secluded spot to eat.
Reproduction[]
Jaguars are polygynous, with males mating with multiple females during the breeding season, which peaks from December to March. Although they can breed year-round, most births occur during the wet season when prey is more plentiful. Females in estrus use vocal calls to attract males, and competition between males for access to a mate is common. A dominant male will usually drive away rivals. After mating, females become highly territorial and will not tolerate males near their cubs.
The estrus cycle lasts about 37 days, with estrus lasting 6 to 17 days. Gestation is between 91 and 111 days, and litters usually consist of 2 to 3 cubs (sometimes up to 4). Cubs are born blind and open their eyes after about two weeks. They are weaned at around 3 months but remain in the den until 6 months old. They begin to accompany their mother on hunts after this and stay with her for up to 2 years.
Females reach reproductive maturity between 12 and 24 months, while males mature between 24 and 36 months.
Population[]
Threats[]
Once living throughout South America, jaguars have been hunted mainly for their fur, teeth and paws. Despite legal protection fewer people hunting them for their fur, jaguars are now at risk due to loss of habitat mainly because of deforestation, so they are being pushed into the more remote parts of their native range.
Number[]
According to the World Wildlife Fund, jaguars number only 15,000 in the wild. The IUCN Red List classifies them as Near Threatened (NT) with decreasing population trend.
Ecological niche[]
Jaguars are apex predators, meaning they sit at the top of the food chain and have no natural predators. As a keystone species, they play a crucial role in regulating the populations of prey animals, particularly herbivores and seed-eating mammals. This helps maintain the balance and health of forest ecosystems.
In terms of parasites, jaguars host a variety of internal parasites, including lung flukes, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. They also have external parasites such as ticks and warble fly larvae.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
The word "jaguar" comes from a Native American word "yajuar”, meaning "he who kills with one leap".
Jaguars have eyesight that is six times better than that of humans at night and in darker conditions thanks to a layer of tissue at the back of their eyes that reflects light.
Jaguars that are black with spots are sometimes called panthers. They are actually jaguars.
Jaguars wave their tails above water to attract fish.
The jaguar can dive into water to catch prey.
Jaguars living in forests are smaller and darker and smaller than those in open areas.
Unlike other felines, the jaguar, when eating prey, starts at the neck and chest.