Jaguarundi

    

Jaguarundi sitting in a tree

Photographed by Dreamstime Photography

     The Jaguarundi is a small wildcat with short, rounded ears. Its fur color can appear brown to dark brown and gray in color. They are sometimes called otter cats because of their short legs, slender bodies, and small flattened heads. They prefer lowland brush areas near water and dense tropical areas as their habitat. They are exceptional tree climbers and swimmers. Jaguarundis prey on fish, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are solitary animals except for during mating seasons. Jaguarundis are found in Arizona, Mexico, Texas, and Panama. These animals were said to be kept as pets by early settlers to control rodent population in villages and crops.
     Four out of the eight subspecies of Jaguarundi are currently listed as endangered; the Panamanian Jaguarundi, Guatemalan Jaguarundi, Gulf Coast Jaguarundi, and Sinaloan Jaguarundi. The species is rare and threatened mainly by hunting for their fur, accidentally caught in traps for other animals, and habitat loss.
     Recovery efforts are hampered by a lack of knowledge about the animal, its behavior, and its needs. A captive breeding program has began at the Desert Museum at the University of Arizona. The Jaguarundi is protected by the state of Texas, as well as by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which prohibits international trade in the species.

How to Help:
     Unfortunately, there are not many organizations that specifically focus on helping the Jaguarundi species, due to the lack of knowledge of its needs. However, many organizations, such as the Defenders of Wildlife, focus on helping a wide range of animals and species. You can donate to the cause to help raise money for game preserves and raise awareness for Jaguarundis.


Sources:
http://bigcatrescue.org/jaguarundi-facts/
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Jaguarundi.aspx

Jaguar

     Often mistaken for the leopard, the Jaguar's fur is tan in color with black rings and dots; some are completely black. They are the largest cat in the Americas. They typically live in forests, and often prefer lowland rainforests for their habitat. They sometimes live in dry woodland and grassland areas as well.
     Jaguars prey on deer, small mammals, fish, and other marine reptiles and amphibians. They are excellent swimmers and climbers.
     Today most jaguar populations live in the north and central part of South America, Arizona, California, Central America, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico.
    Their populations have declined due to poaching for their spotted coat and habitat loss due to clearing of forests. Some jaguars prey on farm animals like horses and cattle and, in turn, are harmed by farmers protecting their livestock.

How to Help:
    In recent years, poaching and habitat loss have been monitored. Now there are many reserves specifically for jaguars. If you would like to lend a hand to help endangered jaguars, you can adopt a jaguar in the wild and ultimately save one, take action by sending a message to your congressman about the state of the jaguar, become a powerful advocate for wildlife, stay informed about important issues affecting them, or join the Defenders of Wildlife to help encourage jaguar safety and increase their population.

   The video, "Jaguars are Returning to Southern Arizona", explains why jaguars are important to the ecosystem and the food chain in the Americas. Wildlife activists explain their views on the current state of the Jaguars, the reasons they are endangered, and the measures that are being taken to help them. This video can help educate others on and how to help jaguars thrive.
     



Sources:
http://www.defenders.org/jaguar/basic-facts
http://bigcatrescue.org/jaguar-facts/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzM1-oUi8RA