Jaguar (Panthera onca)

The jaguar is a big cat - a feline in the Panthera genus. It is the only Panthera species found in the Americas.It is the third largest feline after the tiger and the lion, and is the largest and most powerful feline in the western hemisphere.This big cat closely resembles the leopard - although it is usually larger and sturdier. But, when it comes to behaviour and habitat, it is more like a tiger.The jaguar’s present range extends from Mexico across much of Central America and south to Paraguay and northern Argentina.Efforts are underway to conserve the species as it may be threatened with extinction in the near future.

Rights Holder: Natural History Museum, London