Jaguars, Amazon

Let me share about the jaguar, the third biggest feline in the Panthera genus and the only Panthera species native to the Americas, as well as the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere. This beautiful feline with rosette patterns on its tawny yellow fur is a powerful and skilled apex predator. It has a strong jaw and sharp teeth to hunt down its prey. It has been known to tackle large predators like caiman.

Jaguars are solitary animals, except during mating season when males and females come together briefly before going on their separate ways. They are excellent swimmers and prefer to live near water in rainforests, grasslands and swamps. Although they can climb trees, they are not as adept as leopards and tend to stay close to the ground. Known for their stealthy techniques, as they lack the speed of a cheetah or the strength of a lion, jaguars use their powerful jaws and sharp teeth to take down their prey. Unlike other big cats, jaguars do not avoid the water. They can paddle long distances, dive for extended periods, and even eat underwater.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species is classified as Near Threatened. In some parts, jaguar populations are declining due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, hunting, and poaching. The numbers are more stable in other regions as efforts are made to create protected areas specifically for jaguars.

Next, I will share about the monkeys found in the Amazon.