The jaguar is the largest feline in the American continent and the third largest feline in the world. This species plays an important role in the maintenance of natural systems that provide vital ecosystem services for human well-being. As predators they are key in the balance of ecosystems, since they control the behavior and populations of the species on which they feed. The presence of jaguar populations is an indicator of the good health of the area where they live, since it notices the existence of enough prey to maintain the population of predators. The jaguar is classified as an "umbrella" species whose proper conservation contributes to the maintenance and protection of ecosystems and biodiversity that cooperate with this species.
Along with other partner organizations, WWF has carried out conservation work in areas where the jaguar lives, including the Maya Forest. The WWF Mesoamerica Strategic Plan includes the jaguar as a priority conservation species. On a higher scale, WWF's Jaguar 2030 Strategy identifies a series of interventions required to conserve the jaguar. Specifically, WWF Mesoamerica is focusing its conservation efforts on this species through the project: Saving the jaguar - an ambassador for the Americas.
PROJECT: SAVING THE JAGUAR, AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE AMERICAS
Associated with human-jaguar conflict
Pelt, fangs, and claws
• Never participate on hunting of any kind or buy jaguar fur.
• Do not buy medicinal products or souvenirs made from the jaguar parts
• Avoid buying furniture made with exotic woods such as cedar or mahogany if they are not certified, as the Maya Forest, the habitat of the jaguar, is being destroyed in order to obtain precious woods and at the same time they are destroying the natural habitat of many animals including to the jaguar.
• Report wildfires and be careful not to build bonfires; put them out very well after you build them.
• Do not litter on the street or in natural areas. Many times, this garbage is carried by rain to rivers and lakes close to the jaguar's habitat.
