Jaguar

Scientific Name: Panthera onca

Order: Carnivora (carnivores)

Family: Felidae (cats)

Conservation Status

About

Jaguars are the third largest cat in the world and the largest cat in the Americas. A jaguar’s eye-catching spots resemble roses (also known as rosettes) and they help to distinguish them from other cats. Unlike breeds of cats, the jaguar enjoys water and has the ability to roar. They can vocalize a variety of sounds such as snarls, grunts, growls and roars. Out of all the cat family, the jaguar has the strongest bite and uses its muscular jaw to suffocate and crush its prey.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Trail of the Jaguar exhibit, adjacent to the barn

Arrived at EPZ: Zean - 12/04/2014; Inka - 11/11/2014

Habitat & Range
Once ranging from Arizona to Patagonia, jaguars are now extremely rare due to hunting and human populations encroaching on their habitats. They are mainly found in South and Central America. Jaguars live in a variety of habitats, from dense jungle and scrubland to reed thickets and shoreline forests. They sometimes will also live in open country, assuming the grass and rocks offer enough cover for hunting, and a reliable source of water is present.
Identification
Jaguars are the third largest cats in the world, with males typically ranging from 125 to 250 pounds. Females range from 100 to 200 pounds. The most common color pattern is orange-tan with black rings and spots, however a recessive trait can cause them to be completely black. Although similar in appearance to leopards, jaguars can be distinguished by their stockier build, larger heads and discontinuous rings around their spots.
Diet
Like all cats, the jaguar is a carnivore that feeds solely on meat. They primarily hunt on the ground for large prey including sloths, monkeys, capybaras, deer and foxes. They are also strong swimmers and will occasionally hunt for fish, frogs, turtles and small alligators.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Jaguars mate throughout the year, but births increase when prey is plentiful. After mating, pairs will separate and the female will do all the parenting. The gestation period is 93 to 105 days and produces up to 4 cubs. Following the birth of her cubs, a female will not tolerate the presence of a male for fear of infanticide. Typical lifespan of a jaguar in the wild is 12 to 15 years. In captivity, they can live to be 23 years old, placing them as one of the longest-lived cats.
Fantastic Fact
The Jaguar name is derived from the Native American word yaguar, which means “he who kills with one leap.” The powerful cat has the ability to ambush and jump on top of its prey from the trees.

Jaguar

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact