2024年07月20日
A young jaguar on a riverbank, Pantanal, Brazil
A young jaguar on a riverbank, Pantanal, Brazil (© Tambako the Jaguar/Getty Images)
Spot the wildlife star in today's image. The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas and is seen here in the world's largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal in Brazil. Jaguars arrived in the Americas some 2 million years ago, migrating from Eurasia through the Bering Strait. Today, they live in various habitats from the woodlands of the southwestern US to the rainforests of northern Argentina. Brazil is home to about half of the world's wild jaguars.
Often found near bodies of water, jaguars are excellent swimmers, ambushing prey by leaping into the water. They feed on a wide range of animals, including deer, armadillos, monkeys, and lizards and their strong teeth and jaws can bite through turtle shells. In the Brazilian Pantanal, a population of jaguars feeds on aquatic reptiles and fish. So, the next time you are on a jungle trail, keep your eyes peeled and your senses sharp: Every rustle of leaves could be a jaguar on the prowl.