Are Jaguars Endangered?
Are Jaguars Endangered?
“Woman Attacked By Jaguar!” Jaguars seem to be the forgotten Big Cats. They’re a threatened species and yet the only time they make the news is when one attacks a human. Instead of covering the story of one lady seeking a “Jaguar selfie,” the media should be covering the recent determined attempts to save these beautiful animals of the Americas from extinction.
At least there was a definite win for jaguars a week ago. It was at the 13th Conference of Parties of the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals in Gandhinagar, “the Evergreen City of India.” We saw concerned governments approve listing the species for the first time to protect it across its entire range.
“Urgent action is vital to save the Jaguar,” IFAW recently announced in a press release. “With 40 percent of its habitat having been lost over the last 100 years. While also a target of illegal wildlife trade, further destruction of habitat and critical migratory corridors likely poses the greatest threat to the survival of this iconic animal The Jaguar is the largest native cat in the Americas and third largest Big Cat in the world.” [1]
The parties listed “protections for the species, which ranges across 19 states from the US down to Argentina and almost every country in between.”
Matt Collis, Director and head of IFAW’s delegation at CMS (Conservation of Migratory Species), welcomed the decision. He said, “This is an important conservation win for jaguars…
“IFAW was strongly supportive of the proposal to provide protection for this animal. Which is emblematic of the problems facing many migratory species. Halting the loss of habitat and destruction of migratory corridors is vital. Especially for isolated and endangered populations, if the jaguar is to survive across the Americas.” [2]
Director Collis continued, “CMS offers a unique opportunity to ensure we step up to protect these animals across their range. It’s critical to have these safeguards in place for this species if we are to help sustain it in both the shorter and longer term.”
Are Jaguars endangered? If so, why are Jaguars an endangered species?
While the Jaguar has been classed as “Near Threatened” worldwide, 13 range states have now declared the Jaguar to be “Endangered.” Four other states as “Vulnerable.” And, tragically, two have already confirmed “Local Extinctions.”
Co-proposed by six countries in Latin America, this was the highest ever number of co-proponents for a proposal at CMS. Excluding those sponsored collectively by all EU member states. This demonstrates the strength of regional support for this flagship species.
“Jaguars typify the problems faced by large mammals crossing fragmented habitats between national borders,” said Matt Collis.
“Studies have found at least 26 trans-boundary populations of jaguar – where regular movement across international boundaries can occur as the animals search for mates and food. Maintaining connections between small sub-populations of jaguars that move across borders is critical to protect them across their range and the place they call home.”
IFAW has concluded that while the Jaguar is the only one of the Five Big Cats to not be completely listed as Endangered. “Time is running out for this remarkable species.”
They will work hard “to help prevent the Jaguar from undergoing the same fate as their big feline cousins. We will look to disrupt criminal networks, professionalize detection and prosecution by government officials, and ban poachers from the jaguars’ habitats in countries such as Bolivia, Suriname, and Guyana.”
This is hopeful news on the wildlife front. Long may our beautiful jaguars survive and thrive!
“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe
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[1] The Five Big Cats: the Jaguar is the third largest Big Cat in the world, after the Tiger and the Lion. The other two are the Leopard and the Snow Leopard. Although our North American Cougar (aka Puma, Mountain Lion or Panther) is bigger than the Leopard, it’s not classified as a Big Cat because it can’t roar. But cougars can purr.
[2] About the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) – “The International Fund for Animal Welfare is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish.” See how at ifaw.org.
Are Jaguars Endangered – Why are Jaguars an Endangered Species
Source: International Fund for Animal Welfare, PR Newswire & Civilized Bears
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