The jaguar is the subject of many myths and hunters' tales. The largest American wildcat, it is now rare in its natural habitat as the result of being hunted for its attractive fur.
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CLASS
Camivora
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ORDER
Felidoe
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FAMILY
Panthera onca
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Jaguars live in a variety of habitats, from dense jungle and scrubland to reed thickets and shoreline forests. They will even live in open country, provided the grass and rocks offer enought cover for hunting, and a reliable supply of water is available.
FEATURES OF THE JAGUAR & LEOPARD
* The jaguar's jaw is larger and even more powerful looking then the leopard's jaw. * The leopard's head is smaller and narrower than that of the heavier jaguar. * Althought both animals have similar body outlines, the jaguar is more heavily built, with a stocky appearance and sturdy legs.
KEY FATS
SIZE Lenght: 44-73 in Tail 18-30 in ~ Weight: Males, 125-250 lb Females, 100-200 lb.
BREEDING Sexual maturity: 3 years. Mating: Non-seasonal in tropics; early autumn in extremes of range. Gestation: 93-110 days. No of young: 1-4 cubs. LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary, except in breeding season, when they come together to mate. Diet: Ground-living mammals, domestic stock, fish, frogs, turles, and small alligators. Lifespan: Up to 22 years. .RELATED SPECIES Eight subspecies; also P. tigris, P. leo, P. pardus, and P. uncia.
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