Leopard Size: Range: Lifestyle: Related Species Differences between Leopards and Jaguars: Other Facts: Status:
Jaguar Facts
Length:
44-73 inches; tail: 18-30 inches
Weight
Males: 125-250 lbs.
Females: 100-200 lbs
Central and South America as far south as Patagonia; the largest jaguars are found in Brazil.
Habit:
Solitary, except during breeding season. Young jaguars stay with their mothers for a few years before leaving to find hunting territories of their own. Territory size depends on the availability of food.
Diet:
Ground-living mammals, domestic stock, fish, frogs, turtles, and even small alligators
Mainly hunts on the ground, however they can lie in wait in the trees. Can cover short distances rapidly, but tires quickly. Hunts mainly at night.
Lifespan:
Up to 22 Years
8, which includes P.tigris, P. leo, P. pardus, and P. uncia.
The Jaguar is more heavily built, with a stocky appearance and sturdy legs.
The jaguar's jaw is larger and even more powerful looking than the leopard's.
The leopard's head is smaller and narrower than the that of the jaguar.
The jaguar and leopard are both spotted, although the jaguar's rosettes have a spot in their centers.
Jaguars, like the tiger, are excellent swimmers.
Jaguars are the only big cat that does not roar.
Although they have a reputation as man-eaters, there are numerous stories about men being followed for miles by solitary jaguars. This gives credence to the theory that the animals prefer to escort men off their territory rather than attack.
All the Subspecies are Endangered. Many are extinct, except in Zoos where they breed successfully. At present the greatest threats to the jaguar are overhunting (mostly for it's fur), and the loss of habitat to farming.