Jaguar

Jaguars are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. They are recognized by their large rosettes (spot pattern) and powerful build. The rosettes on a Jaguar are fewer in number and darker with thick lines when compared to that of a leopard. Jaguars vary from 5’ to 6’ in length and stand around 27” to 60” tall at their shoulders. They may weigh between 124 to 211 lbs., females being 20% smaller than males.

Jaguars are the 3^rd largest feline in the world, after tigers and lions, and the largest feline in the Americas. Their lifespan ranges between 12 and 16 yrs. in the wild, up to 20 yrs. in captivity.

An estimated 15,000 jaguars remain in the world. There are only 6,000 Jaguars in North and Central America, half of which are found in the Calakmul region. Jaguars are listed as ENDANGERED due to manmade habitat loss and fragmentation due to cattle ranching, agriculture, urbanization, and are illegally hunted for their pelt. They are working hard to provide sufficient habitat to the 500 remaining Jaguars, hoping to maintain their viable population.

Panthera onca

“The word Jaguar means beast that kills with one leap. Jaguars have strong swimming abilities and enjoy water, prefer to live near rivers and swamps.”

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The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve