History of Jaguar in Timeline
The jaguar, the largest cat in the Americas and third largest globally, is a powerful predator known for its distinctive spotted coat. Reaching up to 1.85 meters long and weighing up to 158 kg, it possesses a remarkably strong bite, enabling it to pierce turtle shells and employ a unique killing technique on mammalian prey: biting directly through the skull to deliver a fatal blow to the brain.
1939: Eight Subspecies of Jaguar Proposed
In 1939, Reginald Innes Pocock, relying on geographic origins and skull morphology of specimens, identified eight potential subspecies of jaguar. However, he acknowledged limitations in the available specimens and expressed uncertainties regarding some classifications.
1940: Jaguar Extirpation in Venezuela
Since 1940, the jaguar has been extirpated from approximately 26% of its range in Venezuela, mainly in the dry savannas and scrubland of the northeastern Anzoátegui region.
1948: Last Confirmed Texas Jaguar Killed
In 1948, the last officially recorded jaguar in Texas was shot and killed near Kingsville, marking a significant moment in the decline of the species' presence in the state.
1963: Last Confirmed Female Jaguar in Arizona Shot
The year 1963 saw the killing of the final verified female jaguar in Arizona, specifically in the White Mountains. This event effectively marked the local extinction of the species within the state, as no breeding population could be sustained.
1969: Arizona Bans Jaguar Hunting
In a move to protect the dwindling jaguar population, Arizona enacted a law in 1969 outlawing jaguar hunting. Unfortunately, this action came too late, as the absence of female jaguars in the state prevented any possibility of population recovery.
1973: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Enacted
In 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was enacted, leading to a decrease in the trade of jaguar skins.
1977: Unusual Jaguar Social Groups Observed
In 1977, a study conducted in the Paraguay River valley observed atypical jaguar social groupings. While typically solitary animals, this research documented instances of males, females, and cubs coexisting in groups, challenging previous assumptions about their social structure.
1986: Establishment of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
In 1986, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize was established, marking the world's first protected area specifically dedicated to jaguar conservation.
1995: Jaguar Killings in Iguaçu National Park and Misiones Province
From 1995 to 2008, at least 117 jaguars were killed within the Alto Paraná Atlantic forests, specifically in Iguaçu National Park and the neighboring Misiones Province.
1996: Jaguars Rediscovered in Arizona's Peloncillo Mountains
In a surprising turn of events in 1996, a rancher and hunting guide encountered a jaguar in Arizona's Peloncillo Mountains. This unexpected sighting prompted the use of trail cameras, leading to the identification of four more jaguars in the region and rekindling hope for the species' survival in the area.
1998: Jaguar Killings in Panama Due to Livestock Predation
Between 1998 and 2014, 220 out of 230 jaguars in Panama were killed as a response to livestock predation.
1999: Identification of Jaguar Conservation Units
In 1999, field scientists across 18 jaguar range countries identified crucial areas for long-term jaguar conservation, called "Jaguar Conservation Units" (JCUs), based on factors like population status, prey base stability, and habitat quality.
1999: Significant Decline in Jaguar's Historic Range Documented
Research in 1999 revealed a dramatic shrinkage in the jaguar's historical range. Once spanning 19,000,000 km² from the southern United States to southern Argentina, the jaguar's territory had diminished to about 8,750,000 km² by the turn of the 21st century. The most significant declines were observed in the southern United States, northern Mexico, northern Brazil, and southern Argentina.
2000: Start of Measured Forest Loss in Jaguar Range
Between 2000 and 2012, there was a recorded forest loss of 83,759 km (32,340 sq mi) within the jaguar's range.
October 2001: Jaguar Predation Study Commences in Southern Pantanal
A comprehensive study observing jaguar hunting patterns in the southern Pantanal was initiated in October 2001. Over several years, researchers diligently tracked ten jaguars, analyzing their kill intervals and prey choices to better understand their feeding ecology.
2001: First Documented Case of Jaguar Infanticide in Emas National Park
A disturbing incident of infanticide within a jaguar population was documented in 2001 within Emas National Park. DNA analysis confirmed that a male jaguar had killed and partially consumed two cubs, shockingly revealed to be his own offspring. This event shed light on the complexities of jaguar social dynamics and the potential for intraspecific conflict.
2002: Estimated Decline in Jaguar Range
In 2002, it was estimated that the jaguar's range had declined to about 46% of its size in the early 20th century.
2002: Jaguar Listed as Near Threatened
In 2002, the jaguar was officially classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to a concerning population decline attributed to habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.
2002: Jaguar Conservation Efforts Intensify
With the jaguar population facing a significant decline, conservation efforts were amplified in 2002. The species was classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, prompting initiatives to address habitat loss, mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, and combat poaching and illegal trade.
2003: GPS Telemetry Used to Study Jaguar Density in Pantanal
In 2003, innovative GPS telemetry technology was employed to accurately estimate jaguar population densities within the Pantanal region. The study revealed significant discrepancies between traditional sampling methods and the more precise GPS data.
April 2004: Jaguar Predation Study Concludes in Southern Pantanal
In April 2004, the long-term study tracking jaguar predation behaviors in the southern Pantanal reached its conclusion. The findings provided valuable insights into the jaguars' seasonal hunting patterns, revealing variations in kill intervals depending on prey availability and environmental factors.
2004: GPS Telemetry Confirms Lower Jaguar Density Estimates
Building upon the 2003 study, researchers in 2004 continued utilizing GPS telemetry to monitor jaguar populations in the Pantanal. The data reinforced the previous year's findings, indicating that traditional methods had overestimated jaguar numbers. These results highlighted the importance of advanced tracking technologies in wildlife conservation efforts.
2004: First Documented Black Jaguar in Northern Mexico
In a groundbreaking discovery in 2004, a camera trap in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains captured the first photographic evidence of a black jaguar in Northern Mexico. This rare melanistic jaguar was also documented in various locations in Costa Rica and Panama.
2005: Initiation of National Conservation Strategy for Jaguars in Mexico
Beginning in 2005, a national conservation strategy for jaguars was developed in Mexico and later published in 2016.
June 2008: First Official Record of a Fatal Jaguar Attack on a Human in Brazil
A somber milestone was reached in June 2008 with the first officially recorded incident of a jaguar killing a human in Brazil. This event served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by these powerful predators, particularly in situations where they may feel threatened or cornered.
2008: Start of Recorded Jaguar Killings in Belize
Between 2008 and 2012, at least 15 jaguars were killed by livestock farmers in central Belize.
2010: Identification of Optimal Jaguar Travel Routes
In 2010, optimal travel routes for jaguars were identified across their range to establish wildlife corridors connecting JCUs, aiming to facilitate movement and minimize risks for dispersing individuals.
2010: Estimated Jaguar Population in Mexico
In 2010, the jaguar population in Mexico was estimated to be around 4,000 individuals.
August 2012: Land Allocation for Jaguar Protection in the US
In August 2012, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service dedicated 3,392.20 km (838,232 acres) in Arizona and New Mexico for jaguar protection.
2012: Male Jaguar Tracked in Santa Rita Mountains
Between 2012 and 2015, a male jaguar was identified and monitored in 23 locations across the Santa Rita Mountains, marking an unusual occurrence of jaguar presence in the region.
2012: End of Measured Forest Loss and Increased Fragmentation
By 2012, significant fragmentation within the jaguar's range was observed, particularly in corridors connecting Jaguar Conservation Units (JCUs).
2012: End of Recorded Jaguar Killings in Belize
By 2012, the recorded number of jaguars killed by livestock farmers in central Belize reached at least 15 since 2008.
2012: Start of Recorded Jaguar Trade Period
Records indicate that between 2012 and 2018, at least 857 jaguars were involved in trade, with 482 individuals from Bolivia alone and 31 jaguars seized in China.
2013: Two More Cases of Jaguar Infanticide Observed in Northern Pantanal
In a grim repetition of the 2001 event, two additional instances of jaguar infanticide were observed in 2013, this time within the northern Pantanal. These occurrences further reinforced the existence of this behavior within jaguar populations, prompting further investigation into its causes and potential triggers.
2014: Isolation of Jaguar Conservation Units
In 2014, deforestation led to the loss of direct connections between two JCUs in Bolivia and the complete isolation of two JCUs in northern Argentina.
2014: End of Recorded Period of Retaliatory Jaguar Killings in Panama
By 2014, the recorded number of jaguars killed in Panama in retaliation for livestock predation reached 220 out of a total population of 230 since 1998.
2014: Jaguar Fangs Seized in Bolivia Destined for China
Between 2014 and early 2019, 760 jaguar fangs originating from Bolivia and destined for China were seized, revealing a smuggling operation of jaguar body parts run by Chinese residents in Bolivia.
2015: Monitoring of Male Jaguar in Santa Rita Mountains Concludes
By 2015, the tracking of the male jaguar in the Santa Rita Mountains concluded. His presence across numerous locations during this period provided valuable insights into jaguar movements in the region.
August 2016: Jaguar Parts for Sale in Peru
Between August 2016 and August 2019, jaguar skins and body parts were found for sale in tourist markets within several Peruvian cities, including Lima, Iquitos, and Pucallpa.
2016: Publication of Mexico's National Conservation Strategy for Jaguars
Mexico's national conservation strategy for jaguars, which had been under development since 2005, was officially published in 2016.
2017: Jaguar Reclassified as a Monotypic Taxon
Extensive morphological and genetic research in 2017 concluded that while a north-south variation exists among jaguar populations, there was insufficient evidence to support the division into subspecies. Consequently, the jaguar was declared a monotypic taxon, with the modern Panthera onca onca distinguished from two extinct fossil subspecies.
2018: Further Decline in Jaguar Range
By 2018, it was estimated that the jaguar's range had declined by 55% in the last century, with the Amazon rainforest, significantly impacted by deforestation, remaining as their primary stronghold.
2018: Increase in Estimated Jaguar Population in Mexico
By 2018, the estimated jaguar population in Mexico had risen to approximately 4,800 individuals, potentially attributed to the positive effects of conservation efforts implemented through collaboration between governmental, non-governmental, and landowner entities.
2018: End of Recorded Period of Jaguar Trade and Start of Recorded Seizure of Jaguar Fangs
By 2018, the recorded number of jaguars involved in trade reached at least 857 since 2012. Additionally, between 2014 and early 2019, 760 jaguar fangs originating from Bolivia and destined for China were seized.
April 2019: Publication of the Jaguar Recovery Plan
In April 2019, the Jaguar Recovery Plan was published, outlining Interstate 10 as the northern boundary for the Jaguar Recovery Unit in Arizona and New Mexico.
August 2019: End of Recorded Period of Jaguar Part Sales in Peru
By August 2019, the recorded period of observing jaguar skins and body parts for sale in Peruvian tourist markets, including Lima, Iquitos, and Pucallpa, came to an end.