Jaguar
Jaguar Facts
| Size | 3.6-6 feet (112-185 cm) (body length) |
| Speed | 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) (short distances) |
| Weight | 79-348 pounds (36-158 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10-22 years |
| Food | Deer, peccaries, tapir, pacas, cattle, fish, turtles |
| Predators | - |
| Habitat | South and Central America; rainforests |
| Order | Carnivore |
| Family | Cats |
| Scientific name | Panthera onca |
| Characteristics | Large cat with rose-shaped markings on its fur |
Main Characteristics
Jaguars are the third largest cats of prey in the world - after tigers and lions. In America they're even the largest. They're solitary animals that hunt at night. Unlike other big cats, they love to swim and live near rivers and lakes. Their most eye-catching characteristics are rose-shaped markings on its fur.
“Big Four“
Jaguars, lions, tigers and leopards are the only big cats that roar. That's why they are called the "Big Four".
Distribution and Habitat
Jaguars live in South America and Central America, especially in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. They prefer tropical rainforests as a habitat. Around 90% of all jaguars live near the Amazon River, in the Amazon basin.
Life Style
Jaguars are nocturnal animals that live a solitary life. They roam the forest, swimming, hunting and eating. However, they spend most of their time resting, about 40-50% of the day.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
Jaguars have a body length of 44-72 inches (112-185 cm). Their tail is 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) long. They weigh 133-220 pounds (60-100 kg).
Rose-Shaped Markings
The jaguar's fur has many black spots. However, there are also noticeably large, circular spots. They are called rosettes. There is always at least one solid little spot in the middle.
Jaguar vs. Leopard – What's the Difference?
Jaguar and leopard look very similar. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look at their spots. In the jaguar there is always at least one small solid black spot in the middle of its large rose-shaped, circular markings. The leopard has smaller rosettes that don't have any spots in the middle. Here is a rule of thumb: The leopard has the letter „O“, which can be referred to as „Zero“ (Spots). If you're interested in further reading about this topic, we recommend our article with all differences between Jaguar and Leopard.
Diet
Jaguars are carnivores. They prefer to eat peccaries and capybaras. However, their diet is very diverse and consists of around 85 species of prey. These include, for example, deer, tapirs, armadillos, small primates, sloths, waterfowl and fish. They can devour up to 55 pounds (25 kg) in one meal.
Behavior
Swimming
Most big cats prefer to stay on land, for example lions, leopards and cheetahs. However, there are two big cats that love water, the jaguar and the tiger. They swim regularly to cool off or to hunt for prey in the water. Jaguars are also often observed “fishing” with their tails. They dip it into the water or gently touch the surface with it to attract hungry fish
Communication
Roaring
Jaguars communicate with their conspecifics using calls. Along with tigers, lions and leopards, jaguars are one of the four big cats that are able roar. They roar to drive away rivals, defend their territory or attract a mate. Both male and female jaguars roar.
The "Saw"
Jaguars often make a sound that sounds like an old rusty hand saw cutting a piece of wood.
Hunting
Jaguars are nocturnal hunters, ambushing and launching a surprise attack. Similar to other large felines, they employ a unique strategy, targeting the back of the head.
Senses and Abilities
Bite Force
The jaguar has the strongest bite of all cats. It can even crack the shell of a tortoise with ease.
Are Jaguars Dangerous?
Jaguars don't find humans to be appealing targets; they prefer peccaries and capybaras. Nevertheless, they don't hesitate to attack if they feel threatened or trapped, which can be fatal for people. However, humans pose a far greater risk to jaguars by destroying their habitats and hunting them for their fur.
Can You Run Away From a Jaguar?
Escaping a jaguar is quite challenging. They can run much faster than a human. What''s even worse: They are excellent swimmers, so water won't keep you safe, and climbing trees isn't a good option either, as jaguars are skilled climbers. It is unlikely that you can escape a jaguar.
Life Expectancy
Jaguars live 10-12 years in the wild.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Enemies
Jaguars are apex predators. They're at the top of the food chain and actually have no natural enemies. The only two animals that can pose a threat to young, sick or old jaguars are crocodiles and anacondas.
Human Impact
The biggest threat to the jaguar is habitat loss. Huge areas of rainforest in the Amazon region are cut down every day. As a result, its habitat has become 50% smaller in recent decades and is becoming increasingly fragmented. It has already disappeared completely in many areas. The jaguar is also hunted for its fur. Livestock farmers pursue it as well. They encroach on its habitat with their herds, yet they don't want it to prey on their cattle.
How Many Jaguars Are Left?
The jaguar is not (yet) considered an endangered species. Officially it is classified as “near threatened”. According to an estimate by the WWF from 2024, there are around 200,000 jaguars left worldwide.
Importance for the Ecosystem
Jaguars play a crucial role in their habitat, maintaining balance by preventing the overpopulation of other mammal species.
Reproduction
Jaguars reproduce all year round. The cubs are born after a gestation period of about 100 days, with each litter usually consisting of one to four cubs. They weigh only 25-32 ounces (700-900 grams) at birth. Around two weeks later, they open their eyes and by the time they are 40 days old, all their teeth have come in. They're nursed for 5-6 months and stay with their mother for one to two years.
Fun Facts
Black Panthers
Jaguars usually have a golden yellow coat, but some have a black coat instead. They're referred to as "black panthers". Interestingly, there are leopards with black fur, too, and they're also called black panthers. However, they aren't a separate species. They just got their name because of their fur color.
The Jaguar as a Deity
• In Mayan Religion
In Mayan culture, the deity Tezcatlipoca was revered, often depicted in a jaguar cloak, embodying the night sky, the north, warfare, beauty, and various other aspects of life.
• In Aztec Religion
In Aztec society, the jaguar held significant importance as well. Elite fighters were known as "jaguar warriors," distinguished by their ornate jewelry and unique attire. The term "yaguar" in their language translates to "robber who kills its prey in one leap."
The Jaguar Is Related To:
Animals in the Same Biome:
- Armadillo
- Capybara
- Crocodile
- Green Anaconda
- Tapir
- Sloth
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