JAGUAR

Did you know? One in three boats headed to our Tambopata Research Center saw a jaguar!

Boat rides to our Amazon ecolodges on the Tambopata River in the Peruvian Amazon result in sightings of Jaguars (Panthera onca) 35% of the time. This is because the Tambopata region hosts plenty of peccaries, tapirs, and other animals that are food for the jaguar.

So you get plenty of jaguars. In addition, much of the Tambopata River between the Tambopata Research Center is strictly protected wilderness. Therefore, this is precisely where you see the big cats. They also occur in the forests near Posada Amazonas, but you don’t get to see them that often.

Jaguar Fun Facts

• A beast of a name: The word “Jaguar” is a modern version of “yaguara”, a term from one of the Brazilian Tupi-Guarani languages that mean “beast”.


• One of the “big cats”: The Jaguar belongs to the same genus as the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard. These species are the “big cats” and share a common ancestor.


• Water-loving: Jaguars have no qualms about taking to the water in pursuit of prey or when crossing a river. They will rush into wetlands to pursue capybaras or small caimans. You can even see them swimming across the Tambopata.


• Rosettes, not spots: One of the ways to tell a Jaguar from a similar-looking Leopard is by the pattern on its coat. Jaguars have rosettes or distinct groupings of three or four dark markings that surround a smaller spot. Leopards, on the other hand, have spots.


• Widespread but rare: Historically, jaguars ranged from the southeastern United States south throughout the neotropics to eastern Argentina. They quickly disappear from areas impacted by people. Furthermore, they are listed as Near Threatened by conservation authorities.

Conservation efforts to protect the Jaguar in the Tambopata National Reserve

Conservation initiatives in Tambopata National Reserve are dedicated to protecting the jaguar, an emblematic species of the Amazon rainforest. With ongoing research, scientists are gaining valuable insights into jaguar behavior and habitat usage. These findings inform strategic efforts to safeguard vital jaguar territories by combatting deforestation and illegal land encroachment.

Anti-poaching measures are also a top priority. Collaboration between conservationists and local law enforcement agencies has intensified patrols and surveillance to deter poaching activities that threaten jaguar populations. At the same time, engaging local communities in sustainable livelihood projects and educational programs reduces their dependence on activities harmful to jaguars.

Moreover, camera traps and technological advancements aid in monitoring jaguar populations, while corridor conservation initiatives and sustainable ecotourism practices are being implemented to create safe passages for jaguars and raise awareness about their crucial role in the ecosystem. Our Wired Amazon Program developed the AmazonCam project that actually studies the jaguar population inside the reserve through camera traps.

Through these concerted efforts, Tambopata National Reserve strives to secure a future where these majestic big cats continue to thrive in their natural habitat.

We all love the jaguar, let's protect it while enjoying the Peruvian Amazon

NOW READ: Three Great Reasons To Visit Tambopata: Jaguar