Jaguar

Panthera onca

Habitat
Associated with waterways in tropical and sub-tropical rainforests

Distribution
Central America, and South America

Status
CITES Appendix 1

Population
Unknown

Threats
Habitat destruction and hunting, associated with increase in cattle ranching. Now generally protected, but hunting still allowed in some countries, and elsewhere legislation poorly enforced.

Conservation
Stopping illegal hunting and skin trading. Some ranchers have provided sanctuary despite livestock losses. Jaguars breed freely in zoos.

Size
HB up to 1.5m upto 75cm

Weight
Males 36 -158 kg, Females smaller

Special features
An excellent swimmer, which climbs trees easily. The Jaguar's diet consists mainly of aquatic animals.

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File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996