Jaguar
Panthera onca
- Where
- Central and South America (especially the Amazon)
- Habitat
- Rainforests, wetlands, and river edges
- Diet
- Carnivore — capybara, deer, caiman, fish, and more
- Size
- Largest cat in the Americas
- Lifespan
- About 12–15 years in the wild
- Conservation
- Near Threatened — needs large connected forests and protected prey.
Fun Facts
- Jaguars have the strongest bite of any big cat relative to size — they can crush turtle shells.
- They love water and are strong swimmers.
- Rosettes (spot patterns) help them hide in dappled forest light.
Learn More
Jaguars are apex predators of the Amazon and other Neotropical ecosystems. A healthy jaguar population usually means a healthy forest.
Unlike cheetahs, jaguars are ambush hunters: they stalk quietly, then explode into a short chase or a powerful leap.
Their range has shrunk because of habitat loss and conflict with people. Wildlife corridors help jaguars move between forest patches.