Jaguars. AKA Panthera Onca, are the largest big cats in the Americas. They were once common from the southern United States deep into South America. Although they remain common in some areas their population is under threat in others. The successful results of a recent Mexican jaguar census shows conservation efforts are working. It also may accelerate efforts to reintroduce the cats to the United States. Jaguars were extirpated from the United States. A few are crossing the Mexican border and may recolonize Arizona.
According to Mongabay Mexican conservationists are very happy that the estimated jaguar population has jumped by about 800 individuals between the first two head counts ever taken.
Jaguars are among the many spotted cats in the nearly 40 member cat family. . They resemble leopards, but are not too closely related.
According to Britannica:
“Jaguars are also larger and more heavily built than leopards. The male jaguar, which is generally larger than the female, attains a length of 1.7–2.7 metres (5.6–9 feet), including the 0.6–0.9-metre (2–3-foot) tail, with a shoulder height of 0.7–0.8 metre (2.3–2.6 feet); it weighs from 100 to 160 kg (220 to 350 pounds). South American jaguars are larger than those of Central America. The jaguar is grouped along with lions and tigers with the big, or roaring, cats and is the only such cat in the Western Hemisphere. Its sound repertoire includes snarls, growls, and deep hoarse grunts.”
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- Critics Maul Liberty Canyon Wildlife Over-crossing Even As Landmark Project Nears Completion
- Project Cheetah Marks New Success Milestone As Three New Cubs Are Born In India’s Kuno National Park
- Virus Outbreak Kills 72 Captive Tigers In Thailand; Wild Population And Humans So Far Unaffected
- Invasive Burmese Pythons Are Reshaping Florida -Not For The Better
- Female Wolf Roaming California To Find A Mate And Start A Pack
- Critics Maul Liberty Canyon Wildlife Over-crossing Even As Landmark Project Nears Completion
- Project Cheetah Marks New Success Milestone As Three New Cubs Are Born In India’s Kuno National Park
- Virus Outbreak Kills 72 Captive Tigers In Thailand; Wild Population And Humans So Far Unaffected
- Invasive Burmese Pythons Are Reshaping Florida -Not For The Better
Meanwhile, a handful of male jaguars cross into Arizona. There are no females reported so the population is not established. Conservationists are seeking to start a breeding population. Females must be present to bring cubs into the region. A formal reintroduction effort is being urged.