Jaguar (
Panthera onca)
Although most jaguars resemble the individual above, melanism is fairly common and thus black jaguars are often seen. Albino individuals have also been reported. The word "Jaguar" comes from the native word "yaguara", which means "a beast that kills its prey with one bound." Indeed, it regularly kills its prey with a single bite, cracking open the head with its canine. Its large head and canines are an adaptation to do this.
Large prey, such as peccaries, tapirs and deer, may be preferred, but a jaguar will eat almost anything it can catch. They will sometimes prey on ranch cattle.
If food is scarce they will often need to roam over an area of 200 square miles in search of food. Jaguars are rapid runners, but tire quickly, and can climb trees well. They are also proficient swimmers and prefer areas with plenty of fresh water.
The jaguar prefers a warm, tropical climate. It inhabits Mexico, central America, and South America.
Although black jaguars are sometimes referred to as panthers, they are not to be confused with the leopard, which is not found anywhere in the new world. The jaguar is a very prominent figure in South American Indian mythology, and was even worshipped in some cultures.
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