AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Panthera onca
Jaguar
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The jaguar is the largest cat species in the Americas and the third largest in the world. It is distinguished by its muscular build and a beautiful golden coat covered in complex rosettes that usually contain small dark spots in their centers.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Gerardo Venegas
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Yaguareté
Onça-pintada
JaguarTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carnivora
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Felidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Panthera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
35%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Highly associated with water, jaguars prefer dense rainforests, swamps, and mangroves, though they can also be found in dry scrublands. In Costa Rica, they are mostly restricted to large protected areas like Corcovado National Park and La Amistad.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mostly solitary and strongly territorial. They are crepuscular and nocturnal hunters. Unlike many big cats, they are exceptionally strong swimmers and frequently cross rivers to hunt or patrol their territory.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary except during the mating season or when a female is raising her cubs. Males maintain large territories that may overlap with the ranges of several females.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Obligate carnivores and ambush predators. Their diet is incredibly varied, including over 85 species such as peccaries, capybaras, deer, caimans, and turtles.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
As an apex predator, the jaguar sits at the very top of the trophic chain with no natural predators. It acts as a keystone species, regulating populations of herbivores and smaller carnivores to maintain the structural balance of the ecosystem.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Mating can occur year-round. Females raise the cubs entirely on their own, teaching them how to hunt for up to two years before the cubs disperse to establish their own territories.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
110.0 - 185.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
56.00 kg - 100.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 4
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 4 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
93 - 105
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males12 - 15 Years
Females12 - 15 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are typically 10% to 20% larger and heavier than females, possessing significantly broader and more robust heads to accommodate their massive bite force.
Females Multi-lang
Noticeably smaller and lighter, with a slightly more slender build and narrower skulls compared to the males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Exceptionally powerful bite force capable of piercing turtle shells and crocodilian armor.
Cryptic rosette coloration that provides perfect camouflage in dappled forest light.
Excellent swimming abilities adapted for flooded environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Severe habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation.
Retaliatory killings by ranchers protecting livestock.
Depletion of their natural prey base due to human overhunting.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The word "jaguar" comes from the indigenous Tupi word "yaguara", meaning "he who kills with one leap".
Melanistic (completely black) jaguars exist due to a dominant gene and are commonly referred to as "black panthers".
They kill their prey by piercing the skull or neck, a technique unique among big cats.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
