Save
The Jaguars!
By:
Johnathan Tu
(Jaguar, Animals Encyclopedia)
Jaguars
belong to the felidae (cat) species group and they are one of the largest
within their family. The Jaguar species can range anywhere from 5 to 8 feet
long and can weigh 80 to nearly 350 pounds! Jaguars have short but powerful
legs along with a strong chest and large head equipped with a very strong jaw
and powerful canines. The Jaguar can produce offspring year round and cubs
usually stay with the mother for 1.5 to 2 years. The lifespan of a Jaguar tends
to range from 10 to 15 years. The Jaguar’s diet consists of a variety of
species such as birds, fish, deer, and rabbits just to name a few! The Jaguar
uses stealth, the element of surprise, and their speed to catch their prey.
More pictures
here: http://www.arcanamundi.com/jaguar_expedition/JE_Jaguar_Tours.html
Jaguars tend to be found closer to the equator and they enjoy environments such as wetlands, savannahs, and tropical rain forests. Jaguars thrive in environments with an abundance of prey, a reliable water source, and dense vegetation cover. Jaguars are found in North and South America.
(Panthera)
The
geography has quickly changed for the Jaguar Species. Human expansion and
forest degradation have greatly reduced the available habitats for the Jaguar.
Loss of geography is one of the biggest reasons for the endangered status of
Jaguars. The population of Jaguars is believed to be around 200,000 currently
worldwide. However in the 1960’s, the population was estimated to be over
400,000 (Count Jaguar: How Many?). The implementation of the recovery plan has
helped in stabilizing the Jaguar population and slowly expanding their numbers.
The
Jaguar species were listed as an endangered species in Mexico, United States,
and South America on August 20th 1994. The Jaguars are an incredibly interesting species however “the
population trend of Jaguars is decreasing” (Caso et al. 2008). Jaguars are
currently classified as a near threatened species on the red list of the
International Union for the Conservation (IUCN). Deforestation and destruction
of habitat is the main cause of a declining Jaguar population. For example in
Mexico, the species have lost roughly 60 percent of their habitat due to
deforestation. Another significant threat of the Jaguars is Illegal hunting for
various reasons such as for their pelts, livestock, a trophy, and their teeth.
A lack of enforcement of these illegal killings of Jaguars has greatly
contributed to the near endangered status of this species.
Fortunately
The U.S fish and wildlife have outlined a recovery plan to increase the number
of Jaguars in the world. A primary cause of the endangered status of the Jaguar
is due to a loss of habitat. The recovery statement declares that an emphasis
will be put on stabilizing and expanding core Jaguar habits. This will allow
Jaguars to produce more offspring and extend core habitats. Another major
aspect of the recovery statement is to strictly enforce the laws against
hunting Jaguar so they can gradually replenish their population size. Jaguars are
very specific to their habitat so recovery plans are emphasizing the
preservation of those habitats to ensure the species have a place to live.
(Federal Subsistence Management Program.)
Learn more about Jaguars at these sites!
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