The jaguar is a large spotted cat found in South and Central America and southern parts of North America. Its scientific name is Panthera onca. Jaguars have orange or yellow coats with black spots and can weigh up to 350 pounds. They live in rainforests, grasslands, and woods near water. Jaguars primarily prey on deer, birds, and fish but will also eat small alligators, turtles, and pigs. Their population is estimated at around 15,000 and they are considered a threatened species due to hunting and loss of habitat.

1. Jaguar By Zach Shimek http://static.toucanart.com/product_files/5715/7/pic1.jpg

2. Jaguar The scientific name of the Jaguar is Panthera onca. The common name is Jaguar. http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01525/amira-swimming_1525298i.jpg

4. Some jaguars are completely black. They also have spots, but can only be seen in the light.

5. The average weight of the jaguar is 124-211 pounds. Some larger males have been recorded to be 350 pounds.

6. The length of the jaguar varies from 5.3-6 feet.

7. The top speed of the jaguar is 50 MPH.http://orgs.gustavus.edu/greeks/zetas/Images/BlackJaguar_big.jpg

9. Jaguars live in the rain forest, grasslands, and the woods.http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/31723-12.jpg

11. Jaguars are mostly found in thick, dense, and moist areas where they have good coverage to help them hunt.

12. The most amount of jaguars found today is around the Amazon Basin.

14. Reproduce and Social Structure/ Hunting Behavior Jaguar cubs are usually born between the months of December and March The average litter size is 3. Jaguars spend most of its life in solitary except for mating and when the cub lives its first couple of years with its mother. Jaguars prefer to be in an area of tall plants to take cover for hunting. The jaguar stalks then ambushes its prey and uses its extremely strong teeth and powerful bite. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Panthera_onca_at_the_Toronto_Zoo_2.jpg/800px-Panthera_onca_at_the_Toronto_Zoo_2.jpg

15. Ecological Role and Human Interaction The jaguar is a predator that helps keep its prey from overpopulation. Jaguars attacks on humans are rare over the history. They’re often poached for their attractive fur, and they’re killed by farmers because they attack their livestock

16. Works Cited Bond, Millie. "Jaguar - Animals." A-Z Animals - Animal Facts, Information, Pictures, Videos, Resources and Links. A-z. Web. 02 May 2011. "Jaguars, Jaguar Pictures, Jaguar Facts - National Geographic." Animals, Animal Pictures, Wild Animal Facts - National Geographic. National Geographic. Web. 02 May 2011. von Zumbusch, Amelie. "Jaguars: World’s Strongest Cats." PowerKids Life Science, Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2011. 02 May. 2011