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Jaguar
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Jaguarundi Description |
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The only
"big" cat found in the Americas, the Jaguar
looks like the Leopard, but its coat is patterned with
dark-centered rosettes, and it is more squat and powerfully
built, with a large, broad head, and heavily muscled
quarters. Along the midline of its back is a row of
elongated spots that may merge to form a solid line.
Melanistic individuals is common; the spots of such
animals may still be seen in bright light. Living in
watery habitats-permanent swamps and seasonally flooded
forest - the Jaguar is an excellent swimmer, even feeding
on aquatic prey such as crocodilians. However, it hunts
mostly on the ground, stalking or ambushing its prey
and dragging it away to a sheltered spot to eat.
Solitary and territorial, the Jaguar marks it range
with urine and tree scrapes, communicating with others
of its kind through a variety of sounds, including roars,
grunts, and mews.
Despite legal protection and reduced hunting for fur,
the Jaguar is increasingly at risk from habitat loss
and persecution as a predator, especially on cattle
ranches. |
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