Jaguar

Status: Near Threatened

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is the only big cat species found in the Americas. The range of the jaguar spans 19 countries, from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina, with 50% of the population found in Brazil. Jaguars are at home in trees, on the ground, and in the water. Their webbed feet help them excel at swimming and much of their diet comes from local waterways. Unlike most big cats, Jaguars use their powerful jaws to pierce the skulls of their prey.