Ranging from the southwestern United States through northern Argentina, the jaguar (Panthera onca) is the largest cat in the western hemisphere and the third largest cat in the world. Despite this extensive distribution, jaguar habitat has declined more than 40% since the early 1900’s. Continued habitat fragmentation by roads and other development, and relentless persecution by humans due to real and perceived predation on livestock are critical threats to the species and have led to declining jaguar numbers over many parts of its range.

Still, much jaguar habitat remains, containing core populations of the species. Panthera is “connecting the dots”, creating the world’s most extensive genetic corridor for a species. This goal is accomplished by working with local people to decrease conflict with livestock and increase tolerance of these elusive cats, collaborating with national and local governments to affect land use change in a way that both benefits people and jaguars, and training local NGOs to increase conservation capacity in country.

To act now and contribute to Panthera’s jaguar conservation efforts click here.

Read Panthera's Jaguar Report Card: The State of the Jaguar.