YGA Journal | Article

World Jaguar Day

Learn about the threats faced by the Americas’ largest cat and what we can do to play our part in restoring their ecosystem’s biodiversity.

Article

Published November 29, 2022

Written by Shiza Anwar

Jaguar Day is a day to celebrate Jaguars on November 29. Jaguars are the largest of South America’s huge cats. They are also the third largest cats in the entire world! They usually appear as a tan with black spots. Other jaguar species may look different but remember each jaguar’s pattern is unique, different, and beautiful. Jaguars are mammals and carnivores. In addition, the jaguar’s scientific name is Panthera Onca. Their average life span is from 12 to 15 years, and they are magnificent creatures. Unlike most of the large cat population, jaguars are surprisingly good swimmers and extremely talented. Jaguars prey on deer, iguanas, fish, birds, monkeys, and more and they provide for their families. Jaguars are fascinating and can protect, attack, and survive very easily.  

Now that we know what jaguars are, let’s dig deeper into what is happening to them. Today jaguars are listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Jaguars are now extinct in El Salvador and Uruguay where they once existed. Jaguars are a target for many inhumane reasons. They are hunted for their skin to be sold for coats and jackets, and they are threatened by humans taking over their habitats. We might think that using land for agriculture or other development reasons is beneficial when it is far from that.  

Most of the problems that affect jaguars are created by humans so why don’t we do anything? Most people think the loss of jaguars will not harm us when it is the start of the collapse of an ecosystem. Jaguars are part of the diversity on our planet, and it is our job to make sure that we care for them. You might be wondering, what can I do to help? You can begin by signing petitions for more focus on this problem, you can write a letter to your local politician, and most importantly you can spread the word. If you do not know what to do, someone you talked to certainly does. It is important to know that your voice makes a difference. Do not buy items that use animal fur and boycott products that abuse animals. All of this is a solid start. It is time to work towards change. It is time for you to do your part.  

 

References

Admin. (2021, December 24). International Jaguar Day 2022: Eventlas. Holidays, Observances, Festivals, Fairs & Other Events. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://eventlas.com/international-jaguar-day/#:~:text=International%20Jaguar%20Day%20will%20be,Tuesday%2C%20November%2029%2C%202022.&text=Let’s%20find%20out%20more%20about,cats%20on%20International%20Jaguar%20Day.

Jaguar. Animals. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/jaguar

Jaguar. Official website of UN World Wildlife Day. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://wildlifeday.org/content/factsheets/jaguar

Jaguar (Panthera onca): U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. FWS.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.fws.gov/species/jaguar-panthera-onca