Some Facts About Jaguars

Following are some interesting facts about the remarkable Jaguars.1. Jaguar is the third largest wild cat.2. Jaguar resides almost exclusively in South America where it is the top predator.3. Jaguar h...

Following are some interesting facts about the remarkable Jaguars.

1. Jaguar is the third largest wild cat.

2. Jaguar resides almost exclusively in South America where it is the top predator.

3. Jaguar has held many names and titles through history and is greatly revered in native cultures.

4. Jaguar resembles the Leopard in its outward appearance even though it is more muscular and has shorter limbs. Even as both the big cats are spotted, rosettes in the Jaguar's case are bigger and thicker with small central spots.

5. As in the case of the Leopard, melanism also occurs in Jaguars, though the affected individuals are not entirely black and a close inspection reveals the distinct coat pattern.

6. Habitat of the Jaguar comprises largely of dense, tropical rainforests and the great cat has thus evolved into a sturdy and compactly build stalk and ambush predator.

7. Ecosystem of the Jaguar is in fact quite similar to that of the Tiger in many parts of its range and like the bigger cat, the Jaguar too has developed a fondness for aqua, actively pursuing and hunting animals in water.

8. Another attribute that the feline shares with its striped cousin of the Panthera genus is tremendous strength. Jaguars are considered by some to be the strongest of all cats, pound for pound.

9. Jaguars have the strongest jaws amongst cats, second strongest in all land mammals.

10. The great strength in canines and jaw muscles has enabled the Jaguar to adapt a unique killing technique. It invariably kills a number of animals in its menu by biting through their skull.

11. Versatile predators, Jaguars take down a variety of animals ranging from frogs, mice, birds, fish and deer to caiman and tapir. They play an integral role in maintaining balance in their ecosystem.

12. Jaguars are also skilled climbers. This ability enables them to catch surprised monkeys as well as carry their prey to safety in case of rising water levels.

13. In many ways Jaguars are the most complete of all cats. It is therefore sad that their numbers are shrinking in the wild over time.

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