Animals

Jaguar

Panthera Onca

The last jaguars in the United States were killed off during the early 20th century. Thanks to a population that has survived in Mexico, the species is now trying to return its own by crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and moving into former habitats. The jaguar is an apex predator playing a very important role in the ecosystem. Without the jaguar and other predators, prey species that feed on vegetation would decimate local plants.

Fun Facts

Classification

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Felidae

Genus: Panthera

Species: P. Onca

Habitat

Jaguars often live near lakes, rivers and wetlands, and prefer to avoid open forests and grasslands.