New Delhi: International Jaguar Day is observed on November 29 every year. The day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of jaguars and how they help maintain a balance in the ecosystems. The jaguar is one of the most magnificent big cats found in the wild, from South America to Mexico and the US. But do you know which country has the highest population of jaguars? The answer to this is Brazil.
On International Jaguar Day, let us look at the top 10 countries with the highest jaguar population. Also, let us look at why the day is observed and some facts about the amazing beauty.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Jaguar Population
Country
Jaguar Population
Brazil
86,800
Peru
22,000
United States
15,000
Colombia
15,000
Venezuela
9,800
Mexico
4,800
Panama
4,000
Bolivia
2,500
Ecuador
2,000
Nicaragua
1,350
There are about 173,000 jaguars left in the world. Brazil has the most Jaguars, with 86,800 people living there. The remote areas of the Amazon basin are the last stronghold for wild jaguars because these places are far from humans, so they face less hunting and habitat loss. The fewest jaguars are found in the United States. Mexico has a protected area on the Yucatan Peninsula that helps safeguard the Jaguars.
The Importance of International Jaguar Day
International Jaguar Day is on November 29. It started in 2018 to help protect jaguars. Panthera, an organisation focused on saving wild cats, led the effort with support from many governments and conservation groups. This date honours the Jaguar Corridor Initiative, which aims to protect the jaguar’s habitat across 18 countries, from Mexico to Argentina.
The jaguar, or Panthera onca, is the largest big cat in the Americas and the third-largest in the world, after tigers and lions. Jaguars are not only beautiful, but they also play an important role in nature. As key species, they help control the populations of other animals and keep their ecosystems balanced.
Amazing Facts About Jaguars: Appearance, Behaviour and Habitat
Jaguar comes from the word ‘jaguar’ meaning ‘he who kills with one leap’.
The jaguar is the third largest cat in the world, after the tiger and the lion.
They can grow up to 170 cm long, not counting their impressive tails, which can reach up to 80 cm.
At first glance, people might confuse jaguars with leopards because they look similar. However, you can tell them apart by their circular markings. Jaguars have black dots inside some of their rosettes, while leopards do not.
Jaguars also have larger, rounded heads and shorter legs.
Some jaguars can appear almost all black, but these “melanistic” jaguars are often called “black panthers”.
Unlike many domestic cats, jaguars like water. They have adapted to wet environments and can be seen swimming in lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They are confident swimmers and can cross large rivers.
Jaguars are opportunistic hunters. They can eat almost anything they find, including large animals. They are active both during the day and at night, travelling long distances to hunt.
Jaguars have the strongest bite of any big cat. Their teeth can break through the tough hides of crocodiles and the hard shells of turtles. Their tongues have sharp bumps called papillae, which help scrape meat off bones.
International Jaguar Day highlights the crucial role of jaguars in maintaining ecosystem balance. Brazil boasts the largest jaguar population. The day celebrates the Jaguar Corridor Initiative and raises awareness about jaguar conservation efforts. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
