One of the most powerful and striking of all the big cats, the jaguar is the only living member of the genus Panthera native to the Americas.
FAQ
- Are jaguars endangered? This is a common concern as jaguars have lost a significant portion of their historical habitat. While not currently classified as critically endangered, they are listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are crucial to their future.
- What is the difference between a jaguar and a leopard? Both are spotted big cats, but there are key differences. Jaguars are larger, with more stocky builds and rosettes with central spots, while leopards are smaller with more solid rosettes. Their ranges are also distinct, with jaguars found in the Americas and leopards in Africa and Asia.
- Where do jaguars live? Jaguars have a wide range, historically covering much of Central and South America, but now primarily found in rainforests and other dense habitats. However, deforestation and human-jaguar conflict have significantly reduced their territory.
