James Balog/age fotostock
A jaguar, the largest cat in South America
Jaguars are magnificent cats that roam the jungles of South America and are frequently seen in the forests and scrublands of the Chaco region of Paraguay. Jaguar adults live alone, but the young stay with their mother for about two years before beginning their adult lives. Jaguars hunt mainly at night, waiting in trees to catch their prey. Their prey includes mammals such as the Chaco peccary, amphibians such as the Chaco tortoise, as well as birds and reptiles. While jaguars in the national parks of the Chaco are protected, in other areas destruction of habitat, changing use of land, and hunters wanting their fur have, unfortunately, contributed to their being placed on the list of endangered species.
Share What You Know:
If you are interested in animals, share what you know about jaguars with the class. Have you seen a jaguar at a zoo? In the wild? Share your impressions of the animal. Can you name other animals that are endangered—either in South America, the United States, or elsewhere? Discuss what can be done to save these animals.