The Jaguar, called Onca in the Amazon, is the third-largest feline after the tiger and the lion. In the Guarani language (Amazon indian language), it is called yaguarete; 'the real fierce beast'. The jaguar has featured prominently in the mythology of numerous indigenous American cultures.
The color is generally a tawny yellow with dark spots on the head and neck and dark rings on the body. Inside these rings there is usually a dark spot. There are also black Jaguars. These are usually found in dense forests and are often called Black Panthers.
The jaguar is a largely solitary, stalk-and-ambush predator, and is opportunistic in prey selection. It is playing an important role in stabilizing ecosystems and regulating the populations of prey species.
They feed on small prey such as the
capyabara and the peccarie but will also eat larger animals such as cattle. They will also eat reptiles such as the crocodile and small rodents.
The Jaguar is considered Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, meaning it may be threatened with extinction in the near future.
