The jaguar is one of the most endangered animals in the world but also one shrouded by legend and mystery. In history it was believed shamans could transform into jaguars and in Mayan society it was believed they were reincarnations of old kings. Jaguars live in a variety of habitats . Currently there are stable jaguar populations in several areas including Mexico and Argentina.
Jaguars face many obstacles that make it harder for them to live in coexistence with humans. One main problem is being shot or poisoned by livestock farmers. The other is a short food supply. Jaguars and humans present competition to each other when it comes to food. The humans have over hunted many large animals making them very scarce. Since the jaguar eats mainly large animals this poses a problem.
The WCS started a conservation program for jaguars in 1999 . The WCS works with locals to educate them about jaguars and the importance of not killing. The WCS found that while doing this program it was discovered that over 80% of jaguars live within hunting range of a livestock farm. Jaguars are a dieing breed, it is very important that more is done and more people are educated to save the species.
