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Jaguar | ||
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Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758) | ||
Information | ||
Range |
South America | |
Estimated Population |
Near-threatened(NT) | |
Scientific Classification | ||
Kingdom |
Animalia | |
Phylum |
Chordata | |
Class |
Mammalia | |
Order |
Carnivora | |
Family |
Felidae | |
Genus |
Panthera | |
Species |
P. onca | |
Conservation Status (IUCN 3.1) | ||
Near Threatened |
Jaguars live in swamplands and by forest streams in Central and South America, and they are strong swimmers. Their short fur is patterned with dark rosettes, and some animals are entirely black. They are at risk due to the destruction of their habitat.
Jaguars swim well and often hunt in water, catch turtles, caimans and fish. When the river level is low, these cats may even swim out to exposed sand banks and dig up turtles’ nests for the eggs.
Although the trade in jaguar skin is illegal, pelts of the hide can still be found which only proves the hunting still continues.
Jaguars are the third largest big cat (not including hybrids) and is strongest pound for pound. At 1350 PSI, it also has the strongest bite of all cats, and the second strongest of all mammals, only behind the hippo and some crocodilians.