America's largest cat
The jaguar is an emblematic and powerful feline native to Central and South America. It is the third largest cat in the world, after the tiger and the lion. The jaguar is distinguished by its muscular build, broad head and magnificent rosette-shaped black spots. Jaguars are ferocious, skilful predators. Their strength and agility enable them to climb trees and swim efficiently. Solitary hunters, they feed mainly on large mammals such as deer, tapir and capybara. They are also known for their fishing skills, catching fish and caiman in the water. Today, the species faces major conservation challenges. Its beauty and ecological role make it a fascinating species to preserve.
Distribution: America
Diet:
Carnivore
Habitats:
Tropical forest
Litter:
2to 4 young
Gestation:
90 to 110 days
Life expectancy:
approximately 23 years
Weight:
Up to 150 kg
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Melanism in the jaguar is a genetic variation that results in black fur. This is due to a mutation that increases the production of melanin, a pigment responsible for the dark color. Melanistic jaguars, often referred to as "black panthers", retain the jaguar's characteristic spot patterns, but these are less visible on their black coats. This variation can offer camouflage advantages in dense environments such as tropical forests, enabling melanistic jaguars to be more discreet when hunting.
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Faya is an emblematic jaguar of the Zoo de Martinique, arrived in 2017 as part of a preservation program. His name, meaning "fire", reflects his strength and energy. Faya has adapted well to his environment, captivating visitors with his majesty and agility. He has become a symbol for raising awareness of jaguar protection and preserving their natural habitat.
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Jaguar conservation programs aim to protect this species threatened by habitat loss, poaching and conflict with humans. These initiatives include the creation and protection of nature reserves to conserve tropical forests, the jaguars' main living areas, and the monitoring of populations by telemetry. Efforts are also being made to sensitize local communities to the importance of jaguars in the ecosystem and to encourage coexistence. International cooperation between parks, zoos and conservation organizations contributes to captive breeding and genetic preservation of the species.