Yesterday, I mentioned that the Anaconda has been known to consume animals such as the Jaguar. Well, I went to link the Jaguar Wild Fact into that post, however, I was unable to find it. Naturally, this means we have yet to discuss the amazing and beautiful Jaguar. I know! I was just as surprised as you are. Well, my friends this oversight will be corrected today as we explore the tropical rainforests of South America to learn about the Jaguar.
Of all the cats in South America, the Jaguar happens to be the largest with a weight between 45 and 113 kg (100 – 250 pounds). Now I am really creeped out about a snake that is able to consume a 250 pound cat. Unlike other cats, the Jaguar actually enjoys hanging out in and around water. Believe it or not these majestic cats are actually pretty good swimmers. I don’t know who came up with the idea that cats don’t like water but they obviously never met a Jaguar.
These cats don’t just go swimming for pleasure or to cool off on a hot sunny day. Well, they might but they also head to the river to find some valuable food sources. The Jaguar is known to feed on fish, turtles and of course caimans (remember those crocodile-like animals). Outside of the water they feast on larger animals such as tapirs, deer and capybaras. Sometimes the Jaguar will pull off a pretty cool hunting technique where they will climb a tree and ambush their unfortunate prey with one powerful bite. I would not want to look up and see this large cat jumping out of a tree at me.
Like most cats the Jaguar is a solitary creature who roams large territories which they will typically scent mark. Although they are solitary, these cats are very family oriented. Well, the female anyhow. Once her 1 to 4 cubs are born the mother will stay with them and fiercely protect them from any possible threat including their own father. I guess that explains why the male Jaguar does not have much of a parenting role.
Well, I guess that does it for today’s fact but don’t worry, we will be back here tomorrow for another fun Wild Fact. See you on Friday!
One of the most beautiful animals, at least to my way of thinking, with an equally beautiful name.
I Agree!!!
really very interesting but can iplease know why are they disappearing
Hi Sadlya,
Unfortunately the Jaguar is disappearing for many of the same reasons other animals are becoming endangered….human interaction. Deforestation of the Jaguar home range is a major factor in their population decline. Other causes include poaching and angry ranchers that kill Jaguars to protect their cattle.
If you would like to help preserve this beautiful species, I recommend checking out the following website.
http://www.jaguar.org.br/en/index.html
Thanks again for your interest in Wild Facts and Jaguar conservation.
WOW those are cool cats i love all cats even wild ones and all so wish they could be pets LOL even i am more of a horse gal i love wild cat like are one in the house some times if you pet her she will hiss LOL
Hi Bella,
Personally, I am more of a dog person but the Jaguar is an absolute beautiful creature.
Just out of curiosity, why do you count up instead of down?
Hey Jamie,
Good question…. I don’t have a profound answer for you though. My plan was just to start at a 1000 and work my way down to 1. This way, I easily know how many facts I have left before I reach my goal.
So, here I am again with another question. What is your favorite animal? Mine is the platypus, just so you know.
Hey Jamie,
I love the Platypus and it is definitely in my Top 5 animals. I think they go in an order similar to this:
1. Red Fox
2. Sloth
3. Elephant
4. Platypus
5. Every other animal out there!
I have to admit, the jaguar is really cool, and I also know that it is an endangered animal. Is there any way to save them?
P.S. i will be writing to you regularly, just so you know. I think we might be great pen pals.
hahahaha…. Sounds great, Jamie. I can also be contacted by e-mail at nathan (at) wild-facts.com. Feel free to message me anytime!
As far as saving the Jaguar… Well, we need to conserve their habitat as this is a major cause for their population decline (as it is for many animals). There are organizations such as the Jaguar Conservation Fund (http://www.jaguar.org.br). Getting involved is a great way to help these beautiful creatures.
I know that jaguars have spots so they can camouflage themselves, but I’m not convinced for some reason.
I understand the skepticism since it is difficult to understand how spots can help camouflage you.
Have you ever thought about the Zebra…. Their stripes are actually a camouflage technique as well. The alternating stripes messes with the depth perception of the would be predators.
Nathan, I have a couple ideas for your next wild facts. Tomorrow, you can talk about the cardinal, and on Friday, you can talk about the cardinal. Just thought I would throw out those ideas.
Sorry, I made a mistake. Tomorrow you can talk about the mantis shrimp. Sorry about that.
Thanks for the suggestions, Jamie!
I will see what I can do…
Hi again. I heard on the news that a large migratory bird group landed in a
Walmart parking lot yesterday. Do you know what kind they were and how we can prevent this in the future?
Please write back.
Hey Jamie,
I didn’t hear this news so I have no idea what type of birds landed in a Walmart parking lot.
I would imagine that they were just resting before taking flight again, so I am not sure if there is anything that needs to be done. Unfortunately, this type of thing will continue to happen as humans and other wildlife learn to co-exist.
About the comment above, Nathan, the birds actually thought that the parking lot was a water stop because it was late at night and there were lights.
They must have thought that the reflection was water, so out of like 400 birds, only 40 survived.
P.S. Remember the questions above? You know, the ones above the suggestions. Can you please answer them on the comment. Thanks. You are a real pal.
Hey Jamie,
I found the article about the Grebes landing in the parking lot. Apparently, they were landing all over the city (and not just in the Walmart parking lot). You are right that they thought it was a lake of some sort. It is unfortunate that this type of thing happens, however, I am sure it will continue to happen.
The good thing that I pulled from the article was the response by the town. People were volunteering to help the Government retrieve the birds and return them to a real water body.
Thanks for bringing this story to my attention. It was an interesting, albeit disheartening read.
Thank you Nathan, for posting my suggestion today. Maybe you can do the cardinal on Monday. Just throwing it out.
P.S. I would also like to thank you for the comment on me at the beginning. Can you do that next time, please?