Jaguars are the largest of all the cats in the Americas. They are found from the southwestern United States south to Patagonia. The largest subspecies of Jaguar is the type found in Mato Grosso, Brazil. They are found in all sorts of habitat, but they prefer areas with plenty of freshwater. They can weigh as much as 250 lb, males being slightly larger than the females. Jaguars are usually solitary animals, except during the breeding season. The size of their territory depends largely on how much food there is in the area. Jaguars living in the rainforest have territories spanning around 3-6 square miles. Their lifespan is up to 22 years. They hunt mainly on the ground, though may climb trees or swim to get to their prey. Jaguars run rather quickly, but tire rapidly. They hunt mainly at night. Their food menu is enormous, eating mice, deer, frogs, fish, turtles, pacas, agoutis, birds, and even small caiman.
During the breeding season, both genders seek each other only to mate. The male soon leaves the female after mating is over and she takes care of the young by herself. The gestation period is about 93-110 days. The litter ranges in size from one to four cubs. They are blind at birth and weigh 25-32 ounces. In about two weeks their eyes have opened and have started to explore. They begin hunting with their mother at six months and leave her to make their own territory in two years. They are sexually mature at three years of age.
The jaguar is an endangered species. Many of the subspecies of this animal are already extinct. Habitat destruction for
settlement, timber, and cattle pastures have forced this creature off its original habitat. In fact, there are only 200 jaguars left in
all of Argentina. Their strong hold is in the Amazon Basin and in the upper Orinoco River in Venezuela. Hunters also have
hunted them extensively for their beautiful fur. This species may only survive in zoos in the future if stricter methods of protection
are not enforced.