International Jaguar Day

Happy International Jaguar Day!

Jaguars are the only species of the Panthera genus that are native to the Americas, in particular Latin and South Americas. They are particularly fond of forests. They are nocturnal animals, most active at night. However, jaguars in the Amazon are noted to be more active during the daytime. They are also talented climbers and swimmers. Jaguars are also rather solitary animals. 

Jaguars are apex predators; their diet solely consists of meat. They mainly prey on the capybara and the giant anteater. They have also been known to prey on marsh deer, and some jaguars even prey on reptiles (like turtles and caimans) and fish.

Jaguars are major figures in Mesoamerican indigenous mythology, seen as a symbol of power and strength. Which makes sense, considering their apex predator status. The Aztecs viewed the jaguar as symbolic of rulers and were the totem animals of the gods Tezcatlipoca and Tepeyollotl. In Guyana, jaguars are considered the national animal and it appears on their country's coat of arms. 

Jaguar populations have been threatened by conflicts with ranchers, habitat loss, and poaching. This is concerning as jaguars are also seen by some as a keystone species (A species that helps maintain the health of a habitat by controlling populations of other species).