Overview
Jaguars (Panthera onca) are large, wild cats found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. They are powerful predators and the apex predators of their ecosystem, both on land and in the water. They hunt a variety of prey, including deer, pigs, caiman, monkeys, birds, and fish. Jaguars are the largest cat in the Americas and one of the most powerful in the world. They are also the national animal of Brazil. Jaguars are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and the illegal pet trade, making them a conservation priority. Their conservation in their natural habitats is essential for the health of tropical forests and the many other species that depend on them.