Describer (Date): Linnaeus 1758
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Subfamily: Pantherinae
Genus: Panthera
Species: Panthera onca

Body Weight: 57-113 kg (126-249 lb)
Body Length: 112-185 cm (44-73 lb)
Tail Length: 45-75 cm (18-30 lb)
Pelage: Spotted pattern in rosettes with smaller
spots inside

Range: Mexico through Central America,
South America; a few in U.S. southwest
Habitat: Dense lowland and montane tropical
forests, near water, but highly adaptable to
drier habitats
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
CITES Appendix: Appendix I Species
Population in Wild:  Very difficult to estimate;
3,000 to 6,000 in Guatemala, Belize, Mexico,
Pantanal of Brazil
ISIS captive population

Locomotion: 50 cm (19.7 in) strides;
run top sped (100 km/hr or 64 mph) short distance
Activity Cycle: Primarily hunt at night;
varies locally
Social Groups: Solitary except when
mating or female caring for young
Diet: Some 85 species including capybara,
marsh deer, giant anteater, red brocket deer;
turtles, fish, birds, alligator
Predators: Humans

Sexual Maturity: Females, 2-3 yrs.
Males, 3- 4 years.
Gestation: About 100 days
Litter Size: 2 cubs most common; up to 4
Birth weight: About 800 g (1.7 lb)
Age at Weaning: 5 to 6 months
Longevity: Estimated in wild, 11 years;
20-27 years in captivity

Feature Facts: Largest and most robust cat of
Americas; circumference of massive head usually
greater than height at shoulder
Society Press: In the 1960's two jaguars at the
zoo, Rita and Rio, had 12 cubs