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Jaguar

The Largest Cat in the Americas

Meet the Jaguar

In 2024, 137 jaguars were recorded in the vicinity of Encontro das Águas State Park, 73 females and 59 males. Of these 137 individuals, 43 are new to monitoring. Each new individual is named by the people who first photographed it, meaning that if you find a jaguar without a name, the honor of naming it is yours. Since 2007, jaguars in the region have been monitored by researchers and citizen scientists, so to date, more than 370 different individuals have been recorded (Jaguar Identification Project, 2025). Some of the best-known jaguars in the region include: Patrícia, Medrosa, Marcela, Ousado, Rio, Manath, Jaju, and several others.

2021
Marcela

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2024
Marcela

2021
Rio

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2024
Rio

Jaguar

The jaguar is the largest feline in the Americas and a symbol of strength and beauty. Learn more about its habits, habitat and the conservation efforts that help protect this endangered species.

Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism

Jaguar Observation

Ecotourism is a practice that aims to promote tourism in natural areas, offering educational and leisure experiences while contributing to environmental conservation. When well implemented, it can generate financial resources for the protection of ecosystems and endangered species, in addition to raising awareness among tourists about the importance of biodiversity (Honey, 2008; Brandon, 1996). However, it is essential that the activity is carried out in a sustainable manner, to avoid negative impacts on natural habitats.

In the context of the Pantanal, one of the largest wetlands in the world, ecotourism has proven to be a valuable tool for biodiversity conservation. The Pantanal is home to a rich fauna, including the jaguar (Panthera jaguar), an emblematic species that has attracted tourists interested in observing them in their natural habitat. The practice of observing jaguars, particularly in the Porto Jofre region, has generated significant revenue, with estimates that this activity generates around US$1.2 million per year (O'Riordan et al., 2017).

This type of ecotourism not only brings economic benefits, but also strengthens the conservation of the species and other local animals. However, it is crucial that observation activities follow strict protocols to avoid disturbing the natural behaviors of the felines and to ensure that tourism does not cause damage to ecosystems. Monitoring and environmental education programs have been essential to balance wildlife observation with conservation (Campos et al., 2013).

Global Distribution, Challenges and Conservation in Brazil

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is the largest feline in the Americas and occupies a prominent position at the top of the food chain in several ecosystems, playing a crucial role in environmental balance.
The jaguar faces serious threats to its survival, both globally and in Brazil, due to habitat loss, territorial fragmentation and conflicts with human activities. In Brazil, the species still finds refuge in some of the most preserved areas, such as the Amazon and the Pantanal, but the future of the jaguar depends on effective conservation strategies, which include protecting habitats, reducing conflicts and engaging local communities. The implementation of ecological corridors, intensive monitoring and ecotourism programs have proven to be effective in protecting the jaguar, offering hope for the conservation of this iconic species.

How to Identify a Jaguar?

Each jaguar has a unique pattern of spots, like a fingerprint. This allows researchers and observers to recognize individuals in the wild.

What to watch out for?

  • Rosettes on the body – Shape, size and arrangement of the spots are unique.
  • Scars and peculiarities – Cuts in the ears or variations in the coat help with identification.

Monitored Jaguars

Meet some by name

2012
Patricia

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Patricia
Born 2012

Capi (2014)
Jaju and Fearful (2016)
Chula (2019)
Krishna and Kasimir (2021)
Nauru and Yanomami (2023)
Makala (2024)

2016
Medrosa

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Medrosa
Born 2016

Luca (2020)
Rio and Marcela (2021)
Aimee (2023)
Pantanal (2024)

2021
Marcela

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Marcela
Born 2021

None

2022
Manath

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Manath
Born 2022

Unknown
Ousado

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Ousado
Birth Unknown

Captured in 2020 with burned paws and reintroduced with radio collar.

2021
Rio

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Rio
Born 2021

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