The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the World, and, it is a rainforest which is home to an elusive, and beautiful big cat - the Jaguar. Jaguars are just one of the seven big cat species in the world. The other six big cats are: (1) Tigers, (2) Lions, (3) Snow Leopards, (4) Leopards, (5) Clouded Leopards, and, (6) Cheetahs. The seven big cats also have subspecies - subspecies are different from a big cat species, but the differences aren't large. For example, the Leopard species has a subspecies of Leopard known as the Amur Leopard. And, the Tiger species has a subspecies of Tiger known as the Amur Tiger. Basically, subspecies have evolved from the species and have some minor, but noticeable differences.
Are There Any Jaguar Subspecies?
Jaguars are the only type of Jaguar species in the World.
Where Are Jaguars Found?
The only place where Jaguars are found, is in South America - they are only found in the Amazon Rainforest. Their habitat is the Amazon Rainforest itself, and the grasslands within the rainforest. Considering Jaguars are only found in the Amazon Rainforest, it means that their existence depends on the survival of the Amazon Rainforest.
The Threats To The Amazon Rainforest
There are many threats to the Amazon Rainforest. The most well-known threat to the Amazon Rainforest is deforestation. Deforestation comes in the form of either logging trees, or people deliberate burning the forest to clear the forest, so that they can use the land. Deforest happens for a number of reasons. But, one of the most common reasons for deforestation, is: agriculture. The rainforest is often cleared so that it can be use for agriculture.
Other threats to the Amazon Rainforest includes - dams and mining. Dams interrupt and destroy the rivers which flow through the rainforest; which interrupts and destroys animal life where the dams are built. While Amazon mining causes deforestation, pollution and takes away lands from indigenous tribes who live in the rainforest.
Why Are These Threats Important?
These threats are important because they threaten the existence of the Jaguar (other animals in the rainforest, and the rainforest itself).
Today, the Jaguar is classed as being 'Near Threatened'. When a species is classed as 'Near Threatened' they are one step away from becoming endangered. Therefore, these animals are becoming more threatened with extinction. To make matters worse for Jaguars, it is throught that more than half of the Amazon Rainforest will be gone by 2030 - that's just 21 years away - it's within our lifetime. This would have a significant and detrimental effect to animals like the Jaguar.
Unfortunately, animals such as the Jaguar are already feeling the effects from the disappearing forest. Not only are Jaguars Near Threatened; their population is also, already decreasing. As more of the rainforest is cleared - this will continue to happen to the Jaguar.
The good news is that wildlife charities such as the WWF, are working to ensure that there is a future for Jaguars, and the rainforest - by working to preserve both of them.
Helping Jaguars Survive
Jaguars need our help, if they are to survive. The only way we can ensure their survival is if we protect the Amazon Rainforest. By protecting the Amazon Rainforest, we are protect their homes, and their source of food. Our effort to protect these animals can't come in the future: it has to come now, otherwise this big cat will end up endangered like other big cats; including the Tiger.
If they become endangered, and there is less forest for them to live in, then these animals will come into human settlements - therefore, they are more likely to be targeted and killed by humans when these animals walk into human settlements or farms. This is something that we are seeing a lot of in India, where Tigers are being killed when they walk into human settlements, and Elephants being targeted by humans with firebombs. As the natural World shrinks, animals have nowhere to go and unfortunately are faced with no choice but to come into human settlements - and the animals are targeted for it.
Jaguars are not endangered like Tigers - there is still hope to save Jaguars from becoming endangered like Tigers. But, it's up to us to help save them from that fate. You can help them by adopting a Jaguar with the WWF today!