International Jaguar Day

Also known as International Jaguar Conservation Day, its purpose is to raise awareness among people about the public support needed for the preservation of this feline species. The aim is to increase backing and resources for their care, consolidating efforts among the countries where the jaguar inhabits, also known as otorongo. This feline claims the distinction of being the Americas' largest, measuring up to 1.8 meters and weighing 130 kilograms.

This initiative was proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) with the support of international institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the organization Panthera. International Jaguar Day has been celebrated continuously since 2018.

Why is the conservation of this species so important? The answer is quite simple: the jaguar plays a vital role in ecosystems, as its presence indicates a healthy environment. Hence, the objective is to identify and combat the threats faced by this feline (such as poaching and deforestation, among others), while informing about development and conservation efforts to ensure its survival.

As additional facts, the jaguar ranks third among the world's largest felines, following only the tiger and lion (and their subspecies). It also holds the third spot among the Americas' largest carnivores, surpassed solely by the polar bear and brown bear. Moreover, it is the largest terrestrial predator in the Americas, positioned at the apex of the food chain, where various species within the biological community feed stepwise.

Jaguar. Credit: Alex Bryce / PromPerú.

Jaguar in Peru

It is estimated that this South American country boasts one of the world's largest jaguar populations. Despite projections indicating a 55% decline in this animal's global population over the past century, it is believed that there are between 2 to 4 of these specimens per 100 km² of Peruvian territory.

The primary habitat of this magnificent feline includes densely vegetated forests and aquatic bodies, floodable grasslands, swampy areas, and dry forests. It is mainly located in the lowland Amazon of Peru and has been spotted in the regions of Cusco, Madre de Dios, Loreto, Ucayali, Junín, San Martín, and Puno. They are still seeking data and evidence confirming the presence of these specimens in the Pasco region.

This beautiful animal, with an average lifespan of 12 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity, was considered the symbol in the fight against illegal wildlife trade in the Lima Declaration of 2019. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are approximately 64 000 individuals worldwide.