Fun Facts: American Jaguar

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The American jaguar is yet another endangered species in their natural habitat, which ranges from Central America to as far south as Patagonia, in South America, with the largest jaguars found in Mato Grosso, Brazil. They were once found as far north as Arizona, USA, but not today. Hunting and loss of habitat, has reduced their number. In Argentina, there are only about 200 left in the wild and soon, you will only be able to see them in zoos. Some subspecies are already extinct, except in zoos where they do breed successfully. Why are they becoming extinct? You guessed it. Humans hunt them for their beautiful fur and also the loss of habitat to farming and housing developments. Although similar to the leopard, there are distinct differences. Their coat has larger spots. A jaguar’s head is larger with a larger jaw and a jaguar’s body is heavier and has sturdier legs. Males weigh up to 250 pounds and females can weigh up to 200 pounds. They are solitary animals and seek each other out only during breeding season. Baby cubs weigh only 25- 35 ounces and are blind at birth. The male has no part in raising the cubs. The mother does it all. The cubs stay with her for at least two years and learn from her, how to hunt. One interesting fact too, is that the jaguar is the only BIG cat that does not roar. Its main food is forest animals but since it is a good swimmer, it also eats frogs, fish, turtles and small alligators. It catches fish by flipping them out of the water with its paw. Such a beautiful animal and like many other animals, it is endangered. As animals become extinct, humans are also becoming endangered. Think about that. Picture by Pixabay