Jaguar

Jaguar, largest and most powerful of the American members of the cat family. The jaguar is found from the southern United States to northern Argentina, but it is especially abundant in the dense forests of Central America and Brazil. A mature jaguar is 112 to 185 cm (44 to 73 in) long, not including the tail, which is 45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 in) in length, and stands 60 cm (2 ft) high at the shoulder. Its coat is a rich yellow to rusty-red, and occasionally black, spotted with large black rosettes, each consisting of a circle of spots surrounding a central spot. The head and body are massive, and the legs are relatively short and thick. An adept climber and an excellent swimmer, the animal feeds on a wide range of arboreal, terrestrial, and aquatic animals. Although feared, the jaguar rarely attacks humans. In the pre-Columbian civilizations of Peru and Central America, it was worshipped as a god. Today the jaguar is extensively hunted because of ranchers' claims that it attacks cattle, although studies indicate that such attacks are infrequent.

Jaguars appear to mate in any season, although in some areas they may mate seasonally. After a gestation period of 93 to 105 days, the female bears one to four cubs, which remain with the mother until about the age of two. Jaguars have lived up to 22 years in captivity.

Scientific classification: The jaguar belongs to the family Felidae. It is classified as Panthera onca.

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