A wildlife observer discovered a new jaguar wandering through southern Arizona, and conversationists couldn’t be more thrilled! Jason Miller hoped to get footage of one of these creatures when he set up a trail camera in December. When the Center for Biological Diversity saw the video, they revealed that this big cat had never been seen before! This would make the feline the eighth jaguar to be discovered in the U.S.
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Reporter Adriana Loya explained on TikTok that the new jaguar could be especially important to the population if they turn out to be a female. Wildlife experts haven’t seen a female jaguar since 1963 when, sadly, one of these cats was killed in Arizona.
Although conservationists were unable to tell the jaguar’s sex, they confirmed that the newcomer had different markings from previously logged big cat sightings. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, each one of these animals has a unique pattern of spots. Russ McSpadden, a conservation advocate with the organization, says that finding a new jaguar in the U.S. is incredible news.
“Every new jaguar in Arizona is a moment to celebrate,” he said. “After being nearly wiped out these majestic felines continue to reestablish previously occupied territory despite border wall construction, new mines and other threats to their habitat. We’re extremely lucky to live near such magnificent creatures, and we’ve got to do everything we can to protect our shared landscape.”
Conservationists want to do more for the jaguar population in the U.S.
Jaguars have been protected as endangered from 1972 to 1980, then again since 1997. Megan Southern from The Rewilding Institute stated that measures must be taken to promote the population of these creatures.
“Whether male or female, this new jaguar is going to need a mate. Now is the time for us to have a serious conversation and take action to bring jaguars back,” she explained. “This new cat is just one of the many jaguars who should be roaming Arizona and New Mexico in a healthy population.”
Our large feline friends are an integral part of our planet’s eco-system. Plues, they’re pretty darn cute sometimes! It’s good to hear that we’re seeing new jaguars in the U.S. and that conservationists are working to protect these creatures.
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