An Elusive Big Cat

Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas.

They are opportunistic hunters with extremely powerful jaws that can crush a turtles shell or a crocodile’s skull. They are not picky and will eat almost anything they can catch. They are good swimmers and enjoy the water. Jaguars have even been seen killing large anacondas.

Although the IUCN list Jaguars as near threatened they are considered endangered by the endangered species act. Their biggest threat, like so many other animals, is habitat loss. With the habitat loss comes an increase in human-wildlife conflicts, where the jaguars are shot and killed.

As the top predator jaguars play an important role in their ecosystem. They control the prey population which keeps the system balanced. They are good swimmers and enjoy the water.