The Jaguar

The jaguar is a wild cat that lives in the Americas. Jaguars are the largest of South America's big cats. Jaguars look like cheetahs or leopards, but are stronger and more powerfully built.

The Jaguar

Habitat

Jaguars once lived in Argentina, South America all the way up to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.Jaguars prefer wet lowland habitats.Their favorite habitat is in the tropical and subtropical forests.Today, jaguars have been almost completely eliminated from the United States and are endangered throughout their range.

The Jaguar's Body Plan

The jaguar has specific characteristics for it to survive in its surroundings. The fur is splattered in rosettes, which are black rings with brown filled inside. The spots help it to blend in with its surroundings and help it not be seen when hunting its prey.On average, jaguars can be from 25-30 inches tall from the shoulders. Their length can be from 43-75 inches. Female jaguars are smaller. They can weigh up to 200 lbs and can live from 12 to 15 years.

Diet

The jaguar is at the top of the food chain, meaning that it is not preyed upon by other animals. A jaguar's diet consists of deer, peccary, crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, sloths, tapirs, turtles, fish, and anything they're able to find.

Difference between jaguars, Cheetahs, and Leopards, on next page------>