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Jaguars– lat. Panthera onca, belong to the subfamily big cats, are representatives of the class mammals. Jaguar - most interesting representative cat family. This is the largest predator of all cats.

Structure

His characteristic distinctive features- this is a muscular powerful body with short legs, a large head, not much a long tail(45-75 cm), short thick hair and, of course, a specific color - from sand to bright red. Black spots on the skin of a jaguar have a variety of shapes - solid, rings, and rosettes; the belly and throat are white, as is the inside of the paws. The jaguar is similar in color to a leopard, but it itself is larger (body length from 120 to 185 cm excluding the tail), the head is larger, and the tail is shorter. Female jaguars are slightly smaller than males.

Habitat

The habitat of jaguars has now significantly decreased. If earlier they could be found both in Central and in South America, then now we're talking about already about South America, southern Mexico, Brazil, Argentina. They were practically exterminated in El Salvador and Uruguay. Unfortunately, it was precisely because of their beautiful skin and the skills of a good hunter that the population has greatly decreased. Somewhere they were shot for another fur coat, and somewhere livestock was saved from them. Jaguars prefer to live in tropical rain forests, but can sometimes be found in the mountains and on the coast, where they like to dig up turtle eggs.

Character, lifestyle and nutrition of jaguars

The jaguar is a solitary predator by nature. You can only meet a pair of these animals during the mating period. The hunting grounds of these cats extend from 25 to 100 km, depending on the amount of game present. Jaguars are quite friendly towards their relatives, so hunting zones may overlap somewhere. At the same time, jaguars do not like other representatives of the cat family. This predator prefers to hunt either before sunrise or after sunset. During the daytime, jaguars rest in some cool cave. The main technique in hunting is an ambush near the drinking trails of animals. They often set up an ambush in trees, from where with one powerful leap they knock their prey down and grab it by the neck. It is not for nothing that the name “jaguar” means a beast that kills with one leap. It is this fatal jump for the victim that is enough to fracture the cervical vertebrae. In hunting, the jaguar is helped by its short legs, thanks to which it climbs trees well, as well as its ability to swim, which leaves the victim no chance of salvation even in the water. High speed The jaguar cannot boast, and therefore usually does not try to catch up with the runaway animal. This predator hunts ungulates such as mazam deer, loves tapirs and capybaras, but will not refuse monkeys, foxes, birds and even (despite their strong shell). Sometimes jaguars are not averse to hunting livestock. The animal eats the caught prey in one or two passes, and does not return to it again, since jaguars do not like to eat carrion.

Reproduction

As such mating season jaguars do not isolate it; it can be present at any time. After mating, after about 100 days, the female brings 1-4 kittens weighing on average 800 g. Small jaguars are under the protection of the female until the age of two, after which they gradually find their hunting territory and begin an independent life. These beautiful predators live on average about twenty years. Despite the fact that jaguars reproduce well in captivity, their population today is very small and requires careful attitude to yourself.

Class – mammals (mammalia)

Order – carnivores (carnivora)

Family – felines (felidae)

Subfamily – big cats(pantherinae)

Genus – panthers (panthera)

Species – jaguar (panthera onca)

And also the only representative of the panther genus in North and South America. The current range of the jaguar ranges from the southwestern United States and Mexico to Paraguay and Northern Argentina.

Description

Jaguars are the largest and only panther cat native to the Americas. The height at the withers can reach 75 cm. The length of the body is 150-180 cm, and the length of the tail is 70-90 cm. Jaguars weigh between 68-136 kg. These are powerful animals, with large square jaws and large cheeks. They have a skinny body and muscular limbs. Their bodies are built for power, not speed, although they can develop good speed and pounce at lightning speed on unsuspecting victims. The coat color ranges from pale yellow to reddish brown, with black spots on the neck, body and legs. The belly is white with a gray tint. Black or melanistic jaguars are quite common and are the result of one dominant allele. These jaguars have black fur with black spots, which are usually difficult to see against a black background. Melanists are more common in forests.

The largest jaguars have been recorded in the Panatal Nature Reserve in Brazil, where males weigh on average 100 kg and females 76 kg. The smallest jaguars are found in Honduras, where males weigh on average 57 kg and females 42 kg. In general, jaguars found in dense forests are smaller in size than those found in open areas, perhaps due to the greater density of ungulates in open areas. Males are usually 10-20% larger than females. Dental formula I 3/3, C 1/1, PM 3/2, and M 1/1.

Habitat

Jaguars prefer dense habitats that provide them with ample cover, although they are also found in forested areas, reed beds, coastal forests, swamps and thickets. Jaguars excellent swimmers and tend to live near water, such as rivers, lagoons, ponds and swamps. They are not usually found in dry areas. Jaguars have been recorded at altitudes of 3,800 meters in Costa Rica, but they are not typically found in mountain forests and do not live above 2,700 meters in the Andes. In northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, jaguars are found in oak forests, mesquite, and riparian forests.

Jaguars stalk their prey on the ground, preferring dense brush for camouflage. They can climb trees for their protection or while hunting. To maintain a healthy population, animals require a water supply, dense vegetation and sufficient prey.

Habitat range

Jaguars have a wide distribution, ranging from southern Arizona and New Mexico, south toward northern Argentina and northeastern Brazil. However, the population has been significantly reduced or eliminated in some regions, including El Salvador, the United States and large areas Mexico.

Jaguars currently cover an area of ​​approximately 8.75 million km2, or 46% of their historical range. Jaguars are most common in the Amazon River basin, including the Cerrado, Pantanal, and Chaco. Its range extends to the north and east of the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and Guiana. Population declines primarily occurred in northern Mexico, the United States, northern Brazil and southern Argentina. Populations have been wiped out in the Monte Desert in Argentina and the Pampa Steppe in southeastern South America. Jaguars are not typically found in higher elevations such as Pune.

Jaguars have their own range of habitats, which range from 25 to 38 km2 for females and almost twice as much for males. An adult male covers a range of 2-3 females. Males tend to travel further than females. According to one study, the average daily movement distance for males is estimated at 3.3 km, and for females at 1.8 km. They defend their habitats from other adult males.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Jaguars most often communicate through vocalizations. During estrus, females communicate in the morning and late at night that they are ready to mate. Males respond to these calls with vocalizations of their own and travel to the female's territory to copulate, leading to competition between males to mate with a particular female. It is not uncommon for a female to copulate with multiple males, although a dominant male may chase off a weaker opponent. Females do not tolerate the presence of males after mating and especially after the birth of cubs.

The estrus cycle typically repeats after 37 days and is between 6 and 17 days in length. Estrus is characterized following features: lordosis (deep curvature of the spine), flehmen (lip movement), vocalizations, rolling and increased aromatic markings. Males show increased androgen levels all year round, but the peak in hormone levels recedes during flood waters in some areas. Jaguars can produce offspring year-round, but mating typically increases from December to March. Most of the cubs are born during the rainy season, when prey is more abundant. On average, a female gives birth to 2 cubs (the number varies from 1 to 4). Pregnancy lasts 91-111 days. Reproduction in females occurs at 12-24 months, and in males at 24-36 months.

Cubs are born with eyes closed and are completely dependent on the mother. Their eyes open for about two weeks. They are fed with mother's milk until they reach 5-6 months of age. Then they begin to hunt with their mother. The cubs depend on their mother for almost two years. She protects them from predators, teaches them to hunt and instills all the necessary skills.

Jaguars live 11-12 years. Disease, accidents, collisions with other wild animals or poaching are the main sources of mortality. In captivity, jaguars can reach 20 years of age.

Behavior

Jaguars are most active in evening time and at dawn, although they can be active at any time of the day. As a rule, they rest during the day. When resting, jaguars lie in deep shade, under dense vegetation, in caves or under large rocks. They also rest near river banks, and during the rainy season they are forced to perch on trees. Jaguars are highly dependent on water, especially during dry periods when they need to escape the water. These are solitary animals except during the breeding season.

Communication and perception

Jaguars primarily communicate through vocalizations. It increases in tone or power and differs depending on the individual making the sound, whether male, female, or female in heat. Males have more powerful vocalizations than females. During estrus, females call late at night and at dawn. The male's response to the female's call is more hoarse and guttural. Hunters sometimes imitate the sounds of a female to attract a male. Jaguars mark territory with vocalizations, mark trees, and defecate on vegetation.

Nutrition

Jaguars are strictly carnivorous mammals. They have a rich diet, over 85 species have been recorded as jaguar food. Preferred prey are large animals such as peccaries, tapirs and members of the deer family. They also hunt caimans, turtles, snakes, porcupines, capybaras, fish, birds and other animals. Jaguars usually attack prey from a secluded place. They make a direct bite to the neck and then strangle the victim or kill it instantly by piercing the back of the skull with their fangs. Their powerful jaws and fangs allow them to kill thick-skinned reptiles and bite through turtle shells. Then, the jaguars drag their prey to a secluded place and enjoy the food.

Threats

Humans are the main threat to jaguars. They are victims of poaching for their skin, paws and teeth. Due to their stealth, jaguars often manage to avoid detection by humans and successfully hunt.

Role in the ecosystem

Economic significance for humans

Positive

Jaguars are predators and key species in the ecosystems they inhabit. Their skins and furs are sold for profit, despite the ban on hunting in most countries. Compliance with laws protecting jaguars has improved in last years. Jaguars are also important source income in ecotourism of local communities, where there is an opportunity to observe them.

Negative

Jaguars sometimes prey on cattle and other farm animals, leading to persecution by ranchers. Some countries, such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru, have not banned hunting only for “problem” jaguars that repeatedly kill livestock. Bolivia allows trophy hunting of jaguars. Jaguars do not attack people without provocation.

Security status

Jaguars are considered to be near vulnerable according to the IUCN. Many populations remain stable, but their numbers are continuously declining due to poaching and habitat destruction. Jaguars are particularly persecuted in cattle-raising areas, despite legal protection.

Subspecies

There are three main subspecies of jaguars:
1. Panthera onca onca– Venezuela, although the Amazon is also included.
2.Panthera onca hernandesii– (Mexican jaguar): Northern Mezquica. The Mexican Jaguar includes the following 4 subspecies:
- Panthera onca centralis(Central American Jaguar): El Salvador to Colombia.
- Panthera onca. arizonensis(Arizona jaguar): Southern Arizona to Sonora, Mexico.
- Panthera onca. veraecrucis: Central Texas to southeastern Mexico.
- Panthera onca goldmani: from Yucatan to Belize and Guatemala.
3. Panthera onca palustris(largest subspecies, reaching a weight of about 135 kg): Pantanal region of Mato Grosso and Muto Grosso do Sul, Brazil along the Paraguay River and northeastern Argentina.

Video of a jaguar hunting a caiman

The basis of its diet is made up of ungulates - Siberian roe deer and sika deer, but sometimes the leopard can also feast on small animals, such as raccoon dog, badger or hare. This will not be difficult for him, since this animal has perfectly developed hearing and vision. A leopard is able to detect very high sounds - with a frequency of up to 80 kilohertz (while a person hears only sounds with a frequency of up to 20 kilohertz). The spotted cat prefers to hunt at night, although sometimes it pursues prey during the day.

Interestingly, despite their predatory nature, leopards do not attack livestock that may wander into their territory. However, you should not come to the reserve with your pets: caretakers warn that these cats actively attack stray dogs.

It is worth noting that Far Eastern leopards are very peaceful, and throughout history there has not been a single case of a predator attacking a person. And young individuals, when meeting a person by chance, are in no hurry to run away, studying him with interest.

The spotted color of each predator is unique, like human fingerprints - scientists use it to distinguish these cats from each other. A motley (or camouflage) pattern covers the entire body; there are single spots on the head and paws, and on the sides, back and tail they form rings, so-called rosettes.

In general, these cats prefer to live alone. Each leopard has its own territory, through which the predator regularly moves to leave its marks. The only exceptions are females raising offspring. They live with their kittens until they reach adulthood, teaching them hunting and other useful skills for independent living.

Far Eastern leopards differ from their southern counterparts only in their thicker fur, since they have to face harsher weather conditions. This is not surprising, because the habitat of these predators is in the southwest of Primorsky Krai and on the Russian border with China.

The terrain in which wild cats live dictates its own conditions: forests and mountainous terrain Far East force the leopard to be very mobile and dexterous. The spotted predator can jump to a height of at least 5 meters to drag its prey up a tree, the weight of which can be twice its own.

Toshiji Fukuda: The Amur tiger is more careful than the leopardJapanese wildlife photographer Toshiji Fukuda, in an interview with the Far Eastern Leopards ANO, spoke about his first meeting with the Far Eastern leopard, why it is more difficult to photograph a tiger, and about his future project.

Leopards move with ease not only through trees. Territories with rugged terrain, hills with steep rocky slopes are their native element, so these cats can be considered natural climbers.

Historically, leopards also lived on the Korean Peninsula, in the eastern provinces of China and the southern part of Sikhote-Alin (Primorsky Krai). The reason for the decrease in the population of spotted predators was the destruction of habitats, a reduction in food supply, poaching and the development of infrastructure in the region. Currently, these cats are the rarest subspecies of leopard: about 80 individuals live in wildlife and more than 200 raptors in zoos around the world.

The restoration of the Far Eastern leopard population in Russia began in 2011, it was then that an autonomous non-profit organization Far Eastern Leopards, whose supervisory board is headed by Sergei Ivanov, special representative of the president Russian Federation on environmental issues, ecology and transport.

The main goal of the Far Eastern Leopards ANO is the study, conservation and restoration of the spotted population. In 2012, by decree of the government of the Russian Federation, it was formed in Primorye. And in 2013, an amendment was made to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, providing for criminal penalty for illegal hunting, keeping, transportation and sale of especially valuable wild animals, including the Far Eastern leopard.

Concern for the conservation of the leopard is shown both in Russia and abroad. In the Red Book of the Russian Federation, it belongs to category I as a rare, critically endangered subspecies with an extremely limited range, the main population of which is located within Russia. The Far Eastern leopard is also included in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and in Appendix I to the Convention on International Trade in Species wild fauna and endangered flora (CITES). Leopard hunting has been prohibited since 1956.

The largest jaguar in the world lives in the Western Hemisphere - a dangerous, powerful beast that causes panic in the animals neighboring it. This cat, one of four species of the panther genus, cannot be domesticated. In countries Latin America, where the jaguar is found, it is called “el tigre”, which means tiger. The beast happily hunts cattle, which earned him the hatred of farmers. Hunters shot the animals until the populations were almost completely destroyed.

The largest jaguar caught by hunters is considered to be an impressive specimen weighing 180 kg and 190 cm long. The usual weight is 70-110 kg. Females are 20% smaller average weight body 60-80 kg. Height at the withers is 60 - 85 cm. The Jaguar is surprisingly secretive and resourceful. He copes with any prey. Wildlife researchers unanimously claim that it is impossible to see a jaguar unless it wants to.

Jaguar habitats

A million years ago, the predator lived in vast areas of both North and South America. During his travels, he reached what is now Florida and Texas. However, since the early forties of the last century, not a single jaguar has been seen in the wild here. Populations in Central America predatory cat practically exterminated at the beginning of the twentieth century.

By nature, jaguars are great lovers of travel. They entered the United States from Mexico, but farmers and hunters suppressed these visits so actively that the number of wild cats here, too, rapidly declined.

The only place where the jaguar lives relatively comfortably in the wild is the pampas of South America. He also lives comfortably in the local forests. But meet a predator outside national park or reserves are rarely possible. Such an event is classified as a rare success.

Humans continue to destroy forests and other jaguar hunting grounds. Despite this, populations of the predator are distributed from central Patagonia to the northern tip of South America. Along the outskirts of its range, the cat is found in bushes and semi-deserts.

In Mexico and Central America, jaguar hunting is still ruthless. But in Brazil, in the swampy areas of the Mato Grosso province, a large population of these animals lives. The largest jaguars in the world are also found here. In El Salvador and Uruguay, jaguars were completely exterminated.

Interesting features of the exterior and behavior

Jaguar long years destroyed because of a luxurious fur coat. In nature, it is impossible to find two individuals with the same color. The skin ranges from dark red to bright yellow with dark patches and fawn inclusions on the belly, causing thousands of handsome men to be killed. The neck, paws and head are covered with dark speckles. There are specimens with an excess of melanin, and then the animal’s color is almost black, but in bright light its unique “rosettes” are visible.

An animal in its prime sometimes reaches a height of 2 meters. People have hunted them and presumably weighed them for centuries. There is information that the weight of individual animals varies from 110 to 180 kg.

The closest relative of the jaguar, the leopard, lives in the Old World. At the same time, the jaguar has a larger, forehead-shaped head, a strong, dense physique and powerful paws. On the skin there are “rosettes” on a brown or dark yellow background, larger than those of a leopard.

Often the thickets of the tropics are awakened by the deafening roar of a cat going hunting. In this case, it behaves similarly to its relatives - a lion, leopard or tiger. The inhabitants of these places fall into panic, since there is no salvation from this predator anywhere - neither on the tree, nor in the water.

Features of jaguar hunting

The jaguar is a loner, lives separately from other relatives, hunts in its own territory, like all cats. The area that the animal considers its own varies from 25 to 100 km2. This depends on the configuration of the landscape and the availability of food. It is interesting that the territory has the shape of a triangle. The animal hunts for 2-3 days in one of the areas of the area, and then moves to another. Periodically visits border points - every 10-13 days.

The predator is intolerant of other cats in its territory, but surprisingly tolerant of members of its own species. Often their habitats overlap. The jaguar's hunting hours are twilight after sunset and at dawn.

Favorite objects:

• bakers;
• capybara;
• monkey;
• turtles.

Peccaries are a type of wild boar. The capybara is the largest representative of the rodent family in the world, weighing 50 kg. But the predator hunts almost any game located in its habitat.

There is no escape from the claws of the jaguar even for the caiman, a South American crocodile. Jumping from a cliff onto a reptile, the jaguar breaks its neck and tears its thick skin with its fangs. It also hunts a turtle - it jumps on it, turns it over and tears it out of its shell with sharp claws.

Often a cat gets out of the thickets and wanders around sea ​​coast looking for turtle eggs buried in the sand. Birds, snakes and rodents often end up as a predator's lunch. There have been cases of jaguar attacks on the most large reptiles in the world - anaconda. In addition, the cat, like many of its relatives, imitates the voices of animals. Monkeys readily succumb to such provocation.

The jaguar is an excellent swimmer, climbs trees well, actively chases prey in the water of rivers and lakes, and also climbs to the tops of trees after them.

The cat prefers to hunt in the bushes. Having caught and killed the victim, she takes it to a secluded corner to dine without disturbance. In other parts of the world, cats hunt deer and other ungulates. Such animals are not found in South America, and the jaguar considers large and small livestock as prey.

The predator prefers to attack from ambush, hiding in tree branches or in thick grass. It hides in thickets of plants along the banks of reservoirs or near the path leading to a watering hole. Jumps from the back or side, grabbing the victim by the neck. When attacking a cow or buffalo, it tries to knock the victim off his feet and throw him to the ground. Often, because of this, the hunted object is severely injured, breaking vertebrae, and dies.

The jaguar also differs from other cats in that it often bites powerful fangs victim's skull. The predator runs fast, but also gets tired quickly. Long chases are not his hunting style. Therefore, if the prey escapes, the jaguar does not pursue it. When hunting, the cat emits a sharp, guttural roar, and at night and during the mating season it roars deafeningly. The predator eats prey from the head, gradually moving to the middle. Having caught a large specimen, the cat remains near the killed animal, eating it in two doses with a break of 10-12 hours.

Lions, tigers and leopards sometimes become man-eaters. Zoologists have no consensus about the jaguar. However, the predator without hesitation rushes at the hunters, not discerning who is in front of him - a dog or a person. Centuries of experience have taught the predator to avoid humans. But there have been cases when he broke into huts and grabbed domestic animals, children or old people as prey.

Of the cats of the Western Hemisphere, only the puma can be compared with the jaguar, but it is smaller, lighter and has a more compact head.

Jaguar breeding

Jaguar breeding occurs all year round. There is no order in the wild either. The female, ready for mating, goes in search of love adventures to other people's hunting grounds. Often the company consists of 3-4 “gentlemen”. There are no fights between males; the female makes the choice.

Having chosen a partner, the lady goes to the territory of the gentleman and remains there for the duration of mating. After this, he leaves the chosen one’s house and goes home. Pregnancy lasts 100 days, plus or minus 2 days. From 1 to 4 kittens are born, already covered with a bright fur coat. More often, two kittens weighing 800 g appear. 2 weeks after birth, their eyes appear.

The babies feed on their mother's milk for a year, after which they take care of themselves. The parent lives nearby and occasionally feeds the family, although the female takes care and education. The ability to reproduce in young animals appears by the age of three. The young leave the den after six weeks, and leave the mother only after identifying their own hunting grounds.

Jaguar in ancient history

Before the discovery of America by the ancient civilizations of Peru and Mexico, the jaguar was elevated to the rank of god. Peruvian sculptors of that time created and worshiped stone statues in the form of a half-man, half-jaguar. At the same time, 2.5 thousand kilometers from these places, in Mexico, stone statues of the jaguar god also appear. This fact amounts to mysterious secret archeology, since no connection was found between these distant civilizations.

These facts indicate how much the ancient peoples were interested in the jaguar and how great was the cult of the amazing cat, which became a symbol of the power of early human civilizations.

Unfortunately, jaguar populations in the wild have suffered greatly from poaching and the thoughtless killing of predators. The species is listed in the Red Book and is protected by states. In some Latin American countries, shooting is allowed, and in Bolivia they even sell hunting licenses for the purpose of obtaining trophies. In order not to admire jaguars later only in photographs, humanity is obliged to make every effort to preserve these animals.

The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest species of tiger and is one of the largest. He is able to survive in extreme conditions low temperatures and is not afraid of the chilling north wind. It has thicker fur than its southern counterparts, and on its belly it has a layer of fat five centimeters thick, which protects the animal from the cold.

The cat family has an elongated flexible body, a rounded head with very short ears, rather short legs and a long tail. The visual features of the Amur tiger are interesting. He sees colors well, unlike many other cats. And he sees better than a human, five times as much!

The Amur tiger is capable of running in the snow at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.

The tiger's body length is from 2.7-3.8 meters, weight is from 160 to 270 kilograms. Body color is orange, with a white belly. Amur tigers are somewhat lighter than other species. Their lifespan is about 15 years.

Males usually live alone, and the “personal” territory of each of them can be up to 800 square kilometers. Females sometimes gather in groups.

Tigers can also communicate with each other. They greet each other with special sounds reminiscent of a growl. As a sign of friendliness, they may touch each other or rub their muzzles and sides.

Number and distribution

Main habitat Amur tigers- territory of Russia. There is also a small population (about 50 individuals) in China. By the way, in the Celestial Empire the death penalty is provided as punishment for killing an Amur tiger.

In 2012, one of the oldest predators on the planet, the 21-year-old Amur tiger Lyuty, died in the Khabarovsk Territory. Once upon a time, Russian and American doctors jointly performed a unique operation on Lyuty to restore his jaw.

Distribution area in Russia Amur tiger– in the Khabarovsk and Primorsky territories, along the Ussuri and Amur rivers. Most of these animals are found in the Lazovsky district of the Primorsky Territory, in the foothills of the Sikhote-Alin. The total number of wild Amur tigers in Russia, according to research from 1996, is about 415 – 176 individuals (it is not possible to say more precisely how many individuals remain in the wild). About 450 more tigers are kept in various zoos around the world. The total number of Amur tigers is declining.