1. Tiger (Panthera tigris)
2. Lion (Panthera leo)
3. Jaguar (Panthera onca)
4. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
5. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
6. Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
7. Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi)
Classification
In scientific classification (taxonomy) the Jaguar (Panthera onca) belongs to the big cat genus Panthera within the subfamily Pantherinae of the Felidae cat family.
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates)
Class: Mammalia (mammals)
Order: Carnivora (carnivores)
Suborder: Feliformia (cat-like)
Subfamily: Pantherinae (big cats)
Genus: Panthera (big cats)
Species: Panthera onca (Jaguar)
Subspecies: none
Note: The scientific name for the Jaguar species, Panthera onca, is also known as the binomial name, species name, latin name, biological name and zoological name. Some use the term 'botanical name' however that is only applicable to the plant kingdom (botany) and not the animal kingdom (zoology).
Classification Chart
This Jaguar classification chart shows where the Jaguar fits into the Felidae family and in particular the Panthera genus.
Permission to use for personal or educational use.
Credit: www.WildCatFamily.com.
(Taxonomy prior to 2017 revision)
View Wild Cats of North America Print
Subspecies (Lower Classifications)
Historically up to nine Jaguar subspecies (or lower classifications) have been recognized:
- Panthera onca onca
- Panthera onca arizonensis
- Panthera onca centralis
- Panthera onca goldmani
- Panthera onca hernandesii
- Panthera onca palustris
- Panthera onca paraguensis
- Panthera onca peruviana
- Panthera onca veraecrucis
However the last Felidae taxonomy revision in 2017 proposed that the Jaguar is a monotypic species (no subspecies). Recent genetic studies found insufficient evidence to support any subspecies of Jaguars, however there are four regional groups that show variations from north to south of the Jaguar's range:
- Mexico and Guatemala
- Southern Central America
- North of the Amazon
- South of the Amazon
Conservation
The global conservation status for Jaguars is Near Threatened (NT) and populations are declining.
Historically Jaguars occurred in the southern states of America and in Mexico, but nowadays due to habitat loss and persecution by humans, they occur mostly in Central and South America, where populations continue to decline.
The following organizations are all fighting to conserve our iconic Jaguars in the face of rapid deforestation and predator-farmer conflict:
Panthera - Jaguar Corridor Initiative
World Wildlife Fund WWF - Jaguar
Wildlife Conservation Society WCS - US Jaguar Recovery Plan
Jaguar Conservation Fund - Brazil
Please support these organizations with their important work if you can. No matter the size of your contribution, every bit helps!
Key Facts about Jaguars
~ Largest wild cat in the Americas ~
~ Most powerful bite force ~
~ Melanistic form common ~
('black panther')
Facts and Information
The Jaguar is the largest wild cat in the Americas and is the only member of the Panthera big cat family in the Western Hemisphere. It is a large powerful cat with the strongest bite force of all the wild cats. Melanistic (black) Jaguars are common, and they are often called black panthers.
The following websites have well researched and authoritative information on Jaguars:
- Jaguar Status and Distribution Map - IUCN Red List
- Jaguar Detailed Information - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Jaguar Academic Literature pdf - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Jaguar Fact Sheet pdf - Wildscreen Arkive
- Jaguar Infographic - Panthera
Big Cat Documentary:
Preview The Secret Lives of Big Cats filmed using high tech starlight and thermal imaging night cameras to capture previously unrecorded behavior. The series includes seven episodes on the secret lives of Lions, Tigers, Jaguars, Leopards, Snow Leopards, Pumas and Cheetahs. Produced by CuriosityStream.
Jaguar Tours South America
The following organizations offer tours to South America where you are likely to see Jaguars in their natural habitat. These companies offer small group experiences, support conservation projects, and indicate their trips are environmentally and ethically responsible:
- Cat Expeditions – Jaguar Photo Tour
- Naturetrek - Jaguar Watching
- Royle Safaris - Just Jaguars
- Natural World Safaris - Jaguar Experiences
Always bear in mind that sightings of any particular animal in its natural environment are not guaranteed and the experience of guides will greatly enhance your success.
Jaguar Documentaries and Videos
These documentaries and video clips about the Jaguar can be viewed online, via YouTube or a streaming subscription.
Video links often change, so if a link gives an error, try searching for the video title on Google to see if it is available elsewhere.
Jaguar Art Prints by Barbara Keith
Images copyright Barbara Keith
