One of the largest members in the family Felidae, the jaguar is a proficient hunter of a variety of small and large vertebrates on the ground and in the trees.
Highly territorial over an extensive home range of up to about eighty square miles (200 sq km), it lives a solitary life — except during the breeding season, when male and female come together to mate and reproduce.
After the young are born, the female becomes highly aggressive toward any perceived threat — which can include the father.
The young may stay with the mother for up to two years as they hone their hunting skills.
Hunting for sport and pelt are the primary reasons for the decline of this species, although deforestation and habitat loss have contributed as well.
Ready for the next mammal? Check out the Kinkajou.
It takes a pride to raise a lion cub. Click here to watch.
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