7 Amazon Rainforest Endangered Species | Earth.Org
Amazon Rainforest Endangered Species · 1. Jaguars · 2. Amazon River Dolphin · 3. Giant Otters · 4. Uakari Monkey · 5. Hyacinth Macaw · 6. South ...
require large areas of tropical rainforest
The largest cat in the Americas, jaguars are one of the most iconic species in the Amazon currently threatened by the destruction of the ecosystem. These big cats are strong swimmers and climbers, and <anchor>require large areas of tropical rainforest</anchor> and stretches of river bank to survive. They also hunt most animals in the Amazon ranging from deers, armadillos, monkeys and lizards, playing an important part in population control of other species. Habitat loss  – jaguar now occupy less than half of its historical range, growing conflict with farmers and ranchers, as well as climate change which has increased risk of wildfire and reduced water resources, has driven the animal to be an Amazon rainforest endangered species.
Jaguar: the Amazon's amazing swimming cat | WWF
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# Jaguar: the Amazon’s amazing swimming cat

Protecting jaguars can help keep the Amazon healthy – for everyone.



© Staffan Widstrand / WWF



### Jaguar: the Amazon's amazing swimming cat species:

Jaguar

Near threatened (Around 170,000 remain)
Panthera onca

Affected by:
Habitat loss and fragmentation
, Human wildlife conflict
, Illegal wildlife trade

A symbol of the enigmatic power of the Amazon, the jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas. Jaguars have unusually large, round heads, short legs and a stunning coat dotted with dark rosettes and spots.

They often live near water and are good swimmers. A jaguar’s ultra-strong jaws and teeth can bite through a crocodile skull or turtle shell, but they’ll prey on almost any wild animal they come across – including deer, armadillos, monkeys and lizards.

Jaguars are currently Near Threatened. However, with its forest home increasingly being destroyed, and conflict growing with farmers and ranchers, the remaining jaguar population is declining under serious pressure. Jaguars now occupy less than half of their historical range. They’re so elusive that we don’t know exactly how many are left in the wild – but we do know their numbers are dropping. Help us protect these enigmatic cats.

Valeria Boron

Valeria Boron

Senior Programme Advisor Latin America and Jaguar Lead, WWF-UK



© Emmanuel Rondeau / WWF France

### ## Where do jaguars live?

Jaguars often live in tropical lowlands, preferably close to water such as rivers and inland wetlands. In the past, jaguars could be found from the south-western USA to the scrub grasslands of Argentina. Sadly, they have lost half of their historic range mainly due to habitat loss.

Today, the Amazon is the largest stronghold for this predator. Around 50% of jaguars are found in Brazil alone, and the rest of the jaguar populations live in the remaining 17 countries, eight of which share the Amazon rainforest: Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and the oversea territory of French Guiana.



### ## Why jaguars are so important

Jaguars are the top predators in their environment, so they play an important role in controlling the populations of other species. This helps keep a balance in the food chain, and a healthy environment.

By protecting jaguars and the places where they live, we’re also helping to look after other wildlife – of which there are a lot of in the Amazon and Pantanal.

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Jaguar

© WWF

- Jaguar's coat

© Staffan Widstrand

- Aerial shot showing deforestation in Amazon rainforest

- Jaguar walking through the forest

© WWF-UK

### Challenges affecting Jaguars

- #### Illegal wildlife trade

Before the mid-1970s jaguars were often hunted for their beautiful coats. That’s reduced now, thanks to anti-fur campaigns and laws, but there’s still some demand for jaguar parts such as paws and teeth for traditional medicines.

- #### Loss of forests and living space

The Amazon rainforest is being destroyed at a terrifying rate. Along with other consequences, this reduces the living space for jaguars and other important wildlife, and isolates populations, making them more vulnerable.

- #### Conflict with people

When their natural prey is hunted or displaced, jaguars might look for other food sources, like domestic cattle. A lot of ranchers and farmers see jaguars as pests, and sometimes kill them to protect their incomes.

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### How we're helping jaguars

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#### Influencing policies in Brazil and Colombia

We constantly work with partners and governments to keep forests standing and halt climate change. See how we are helping.

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© N.C. Turner / WWF

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#### The forest certification system

Forest certification involves inspecting and tracking timber, paper pulp and other forest products to ensure they’ve been harvested correctly.

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© Tom Fiske

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#### Wildlife conservation in the Amazon

All our conservation efforts in the Amazon aim to protect the local wildlife, rainforests, and freshwater habitats.

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© Thippakone Thammavongsa - WWF-Laos

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#### The Trillion Trees venture: saving our trees

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