THE JAGUAR'S SHADOW:
Searching for a Mythic Cat
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Jaguars are the world's third-largest cats, after tigers and lions. But they are the biggest cats in the Western Hemisphere, where tigers and lions do not occur. In parts of Brazil, jaguars weighing nearly 400 pouns have been recorded, with bodies measuring nine feet from tip of nose to end of tail. Particularly in its northern range, jaguars are typically half this size. But all jaguars boast surprisingly strong jaws and are the only big cats to regularly kill prey by piercing the skull. Even the armor of turtles and armadillos is no match for a hungry jaguar, whose finger-length canines are ideally suited for overwhelming animals as large as horses and cattle with a minimum of struggle. Despite such advantages, scientists insist there are no documented cases of a jaguar attacking and killing a human being without provocation.
| Why care about jaguars? |
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Among members of a particular jungle tribe in Colombia, it is said, an ancient belief prevails that "the jaguar was sent to the world as a test of the will and integrity of the first humans." More recently, a panel of scientists concluded that "humans are now responsible for the survival of all large carnivorous animals," incuding jaguars. For Panthera onca, after six million years, it has come to this. Disappearance of such superbly designed creatures would further isolate us from a natural world that sustains us, despite our attempts to manipulate, dominate, and occasionally destroy it. If nothing else, the jaguar's demise would deny our descendants the incomparable thrill of beholding a highly evolved and marvelously specialized animal that requires complete freedom in order to exist. Moreover, Panthera onca needs a vast protected habitat that may simultaneously ensure humans reliable supplies of safe water, ample food, a bearable climate, wondrous medicines, and the many rewards of genetic and biological diversity. One is left with this disturbing question: If we cannot protect such magnificent and intelligent wild animals from our own destructive powers, can we even manage to protect ourselves? How you can help... Without intervention, jaguars could disappear from the wild before the 21st century ends. Grave threats to their survival include loss of habitat, a decline in the game animals they eat, illegal hunting, and a lack of genetic diversity stemming from increasing separation from one another. Scientists and conservationists are working closely with government officialls, community leaders, and local residents to craft viable strategies for jaguar management. If you care about the survival of this species, consider "adopting" a jaguar through a charitable contribution to one of the organizations that offer such sponsorships. These include: The Belize Zoo - See Adopt-an-Animal page Wildlife Conservation Society - See Save the Jaguar page. Northern Jaguar Project - See Save-a-Spot-for-Jaguars page Defenders of Wildlife - See Wildlife Adoption page Click here to learn more about current jaguar research, news reports, and conservation projects |
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Mexico's Olmec believed it to be the father of human beings. In Mesoamerican rainforests, the Maya praised this elusive spotted feline for carrying the sun from west to east during dark of night. Andean Incans admired the cat for its remarkable strength, cunning, and self-sufficiency. Throughout the Amazon basin, hallucinogen-enhanced shamans regarded this animal as the most perfect hunter of all. Even in the American Southwest, many tribes assigned jaguars sacred power—and central roles in key dances or other rituals. Some still do... To learn more about the jaguar's role in the spiritual traditions, dances, rites, and origination stories of indigenous people... |
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Richard Mahler is an award-winning author, editor, and tour guide based in Silver City, New Mexico. His current specializations include nature, health, indigenous cultures, travel, and conservation.
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