Jaguars Roam Free: Discover All You Need to Know About Their Habitat in Arizona and Two Other States

Arizona boasts a wide variety of animal species, yet perhaps none is as distinctive as the jaguar .

Boasting striking coats, dappled fur, and remarkable hunting skills, these big felines distinguish themselves as some of the most uncommon species in the U.S.

Actually, Arizona is among just three states nationwide that have a jaguar population—the other two being New Mexico and Texas.

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Jaguars are seldom seen in Arizona, and they are threatened globally. In this state, significant areas of their natural habitat are undergoing development.

Here’s all the information Arizona residents should be aware of regarding jaguars, covering their habitat, appearance, size, and diet.

Where do jaguars live?

Several jaguars inhabit southern Arizona, close to the U.S.-Mexico border.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has set aside vast stretches of vital protected territory encompassing hundreds of thousands of acres in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise counties. Much of this area consists of rugged desert terrain.

Critical habitats are regions where the Service has the ability to oversee or safeguard endangered and threatened species.

What is the population of jaguars in Arizona?

The exact number of jaguars residing in Arizona remains uncertain, though multiple sightings have been reported in recent years.

In 2022, National Geographic noted that a minimum of 7 distinct jaguars have been spotted in Arizona over the last three decades.

Another jaguar has been seen in Arizona? Camera trap snaps 8th sighting in U.S. since 1996

Are jaguars endangered animals?

No, jaguars are not presently considered an endangered species.

However, they are considered Near Threatened, indicating that they may become endangered in the foreseeable future, as stated by the organization. World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Nature Conservation Preservation .

The World Wildlife Fund suggests that jaguars have lost approximately half of their historical habitat.

In May, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service took action. eliminated 64,797 acres from the designated critical habitat for jaguars In southern Arizona, following a court decision overturning parts of the designation, the leftover critical habitat area covers roughly 640,124 acres across Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise counties.

According to reports, their living spaces are getting more divided up, with smaller sections of habitat growing further apart from each other and losing connectivity. World Wildlife Fund Regions previously governed by jaguars are being devastated due to deforestation, extensive agricultural practices, cattle ranching, and urban expansion.

Habitat fragmentation severely complicates hunting and mating for these cats, posing a significant risk to their population and survival.

How probable is it for me to spot a jaguar?

It's not highly probable because jaguars in Arizona inhabit areas that are under extremely critical protection, leaving few neighboring residences or communities around.

What size can jaguars reach?

Jaguars are the biggest cats indigenous to North America and rank as the third-largest species globally, following lions and tigers, as stated by the source. Center for Biological Diversity .

Jaguars range from 5 to 8 feet in length including their tails and generally have a weight of around 140 to 300 pounds.

What is the maximum age they can reach?

Jaguars have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years.

What do jaguars eat?

According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Jaguars consume approximately 85 distinct types of prey, which include various reptiles, birds, and fish.

Jaguars consume various animals like peccaries, capybaras, pacas, agoutis, deer, opossums, rabbits, armadillos, caimans, turtles, and livestock, based on where they live.

Reach the reporter at zbradshaw@gannett.com or on X at @ZachBradshaw14 .

The article was initially published in the Arizona Republic. Jaguars only live in 3 states, and Arizona is one of them. Here's everything to know