|
Panthera onca, the Jaguar, is one of the most compelling of all the big cats; however, its extreme stealth and solitary nature also makes it the one we know least about. While fossil evidence dates Panthera back some three million years (and Panthera onca to around 510,000 years), this beautiful animal's conservation status is currently listed as 'near threatened'. The modern threats to its survival are predominantly in the form of hunting and massive habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, but predating that, scientists know that the species' longevity has been due to a range of evolutionary adaptations along the way. While we'll never have a definitive picture of what the earliest Panthera onca looked like, it would certainly be different to the one that can be seen today on Jaguar watching tours of the habitats of South America. Physical Adaptations The big cat has undergone a number of physical evolutionary changes in order to ensure the survival of the species. In order to maintain its position in the jungle hierarchy, it has developed a large head and an immensely powerful jaw – able to pierce the skull of its prey in one lethal bite. In fact, it is the only 'occipital cruncher' of all the big cats, with the others using a throat bite. While being extremely lovely to look at, the spotted coat is also an adaptation to being able to camouflage itself in the dappled light of the jungles. The spots – called 'rosettes' – also have a solid black circle within the spot, breaking up the pattern of their fur and enabling them to melt into their surroundings while on the hunt. The big cats are 'crepuscular', meaning they are most active in the twilight of early morning and evening. Their eyes have specially adapted to allow them to hunt in low light and darkness, with an extra mirror-like layer of tissue that serves to reflect light. Behavioural Adaptations Unlike most of the other big cats, they are very comfortable (and surprisingly fast) in the water. Their agility and strong swimming skills mean they're able to bring down even large aquatic prey (like caimans), and Jaguar watching tours often include day and night boat trips to observe them hunting or sunning themselves on the riverbanks. Another useful behavioural adaptation is the big cat's ability to climb trees. With its powerful legs and large, razor-sharp claws (which can reach up to 10cm long), it's able to scale trees without the aid of lower branches, in order to lie in wait or pursue arboreal animals. Finally, their ability to hunt successfully during both daylight hours and under the cover of darkness allows them a full menu of prey species – allowing them to evolve into the undisputed apex predator. For dedicated wildlife enthusiasts who venture to the Brazilian Pantanal on Jaguar watching tours, the opportunity to witness this magnificent creature in its natural habitat is a privilege not to be underestimated. Not only do Jaguar watching tours serve to raise the profile of this critically endangered animal, they also afford a fascinating insight into one the world's most elusive and least-understood species. Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in Jaguar watching. Being passionate about her subject, Marissa chooses the expert-led Jaguar watching itineraries organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of wildlife in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
Related Articles -
Jaguar, watching,
| 
