The jaguar ( Panthera onca ) is the largest carnivorous mammal on the American continent, but conservation of this species has been a concern for environmentalists for years.Currently, the jaguar, like many other species, is considered a species almost threatened (NT) and the population trend decreases.
In this Animals and Pets Online article we will explain why the jaguar is in danger of extinction .We will detail the causes main ones that affect this species and we will mention some measures that can help prevent it from becoming a species in a vulnerable state.
Where does the jaguar lives?
The jaguar is a big cat of the genus Panthera that is characterized by its fawn yellow fur with pink spots, perfect for camouflaging in its habitat.This species inhabits the tropical and temperate forests of Argentina, Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela.Currently the populations are fragmented, due to the influence that the human being exerts on the environment.
In its natural environment, The jaguar is a very active animal, capable of traveling up to 5 kilometers per day .It is also an excellent swimmer.It can reach two meters in length and weighs between 40 and 150 kilograms.
We talk about a predatory animal that feeds mainly on wild boars, snakes, alligators, turtles and armadillos.However, why is the jaguar in danger of extinction? Then we talk about the current population of the species and other important data to consider.
How many jaguars remain in the world?
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the jaguar ( Panthera onca ) is listed as almost threatened species (NT) , which means that in the near future it could be considered a vulnerable species, since the population has declined markedly in the last decades.
But how many jaguars are really left in the world? The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) indicates that the population of the species has been reduced by up to 37% since 1980 .However, it is estimated that the chances of long-term survival are around 70% if Effective conservation measures are applied.
It is currently considered that there are around 15,000 wild jaguars .Likewise, the WCS is committed to protecting more than 5,000 jaguars in freedom and 400,000 km2 of habitat of the species.
The main threats of the jaguar
Following the information on the jaguar in danger of extinction , we must talk about the causes that threaten the jaguar, as it is the only way to know how to act to prevent the species from entering in a vulnerable state.Remember that in addition to affecting the species itself, the decline in the population of jaguars also alters the fauna and flora of its habitat.
Some of the causes that explain why The jaguar is in danger of extinction are:
- Poachers : Illegal hunting affects the population of the species very negatively.animal is chased by its skin, being the main cause of death of Panthera onca .
- The destruction of its habitat : deforestation is a global problem which affects most species on the planet, including the jaguar.This practice causes the slow destruction of the species' habitat, which causes the isolation of individuals, exposure to man and the loss of genetic diversity.
- Clashes with farmers : the constant exploitation of the jaguar's natural habitat has caused clashes between these animals and farmers, who criminalize the species by arguing attacks on cattle.
- Illegal hunting of jaguar dams : Finally, it should be noted that hunting, also illegal, of others species that are a source of food for jaguars, play an important role in the decline of the population.
As prevent the extinction of the jaguar?
Now that you know why the jaguar is in danger of extinction, how many jaguars remain in the world and some of the causes that threaten the species, you may wonder how to protect the jaguar and what actions you can take to collaborate, right?
To start, it is essential to bet on a sustainable lifestyle and respectful of the environment, which helps avoid pollution, deforestation or hunting.Through small actions, the "zero waste" movement greatly helps to take care of our planet, as well as animals.
It is also possible to help by collaborating in a timely or regular manner with associations, entities and conservation groups disseminating information, raising awareness or raising funds to carry out direct actions in the environment and in the conservation of the species.
The collection of signatures to protect natural parks, specific areas or promote laws on Animal protection are also measures that may involve state entities that effectively support wildlife programs and their conservation.
Do you want to share some measures that help prevent the jaguar from being endangered? Leave us your comments and mention what you do to help conserve the species!
If you want to read more articles similar to Why is the jaguar in danger of extinction? , we recommend that you enter our section of Animals in danger of extinction.
Bibliography
- Quigley, H., Foster, R., Petracca, L., Payan, E., Salom, R.&Harmsen, B.2017. Panthera onca (errata version published in 2018). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T15953A123791436.http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T15953A50658693.en.Downlo aded on 26 March 2019.
- WCS.(2019).WILDLIFE JAGUARS.2019, from Wildlife Conservation Society Website: https://www.wcs.org/our-work/species/jaguars
- Zimmermann, A., Walpole, MJ,&Leader-Williams, N.(2005).Cattle ranchers' attitudes to conflicts with jaguar Panthera onca in the Pantanal of Brazil. Oryx , 39 (4), 406-412.
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