Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Amin Tawar
Mexico is home to exotic animal wildlife with a rich blend of shrublands, deserts, grasslands, tropical forests, temperate forests, wetlands, and mountains.
Though Mexico is very rich in native species, are there jaguars in the country? Today we will explore the jaguars in Mexico and their symbolism in Mexico.
Are There Any Jaguars In Mexico?
The jaguar (Panthera onca) that is native to America is currently present in Mexico. It is estimated that around 4,800 jaguars are living in the wild in Mexico. Historically, they were distributed all over Mexico, running from the southern edge of Guatemala to the northern parts of the nation.
However, because of habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation, the jaguar population in Mexico has been on a downfall over the years. Many conservation efforts were made to safeguard the remaining populations of jaguars in Mexico.
A few places like the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve and Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, play an important role in the jaguar habitat. These areas are also protected and help them survive in Mexico.
Are Jaguars Still Wild In Mexico?
Yes, jaguars are found in the wild in Mexico, especially in the southeastern and southern regions. The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected location and is well-recognized as critical habitat for jaguars. The Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems and is home to jaguars and other wildlife species.
The Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental which stretches across many states in Mexico are known as home to jaguars, especially in the forested areas. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve encompasses a big range of habitats, like coastal wetlands and tropical forests for jaguars.
How Many Jaguars Are In Mexico?
It is estimated that about 4,500 to 4,700 jaguars are presently living in Mexico. However, it is quite difficult to estimate the exact number of species in the country as these animals are elusive and often occupy remote habitats. But, according to many studies, it is considered that a significant jaguar population is present in Mexico.
Also Check Our Guide On Jaguar In North America
What States In Mexico Have Jaguars?
A few states where jaguars can be found are Campeche which is home to Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas where the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve and Lacandon Jungle are situated, Quintana Roo home to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Also, the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain ranges stretch across many states in northwestern Mexico, such as Sonora, Durango, Chihuahua, Sinaloa and the and Sierra Madre Oriental in the northeastern such as Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and San Luis Potosi.
Are There Black Jaguar In Mexico?
The black jaguars are one of the many endangered animals in Central and South America. But they became extinct due to hunting in the U.S. by the 1940s and currently very few are believed to remain in Mexico, Brazil, and Central America.
The major population is believed to live in parts of Paraguay, Chiapas, and Bolivia States, and in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Can You Own & Kill A Jaguar In Mexico?
Yes, in Mexico it is completely legal for you to own jaguars as a pet. Many people buy or own jaguars to be used for photo shoots, as props for entertainment, backyard breeding, and much more. This provides people with easy access to wild animals even when they are inexperienced in owning a Big Feline.
Though you can own a jaguar in Mexico, it is illegal to kill one as they are protected species. Any individual found killing or hunting jaguars will be fined or even imprisoned. This is to conserve the population of jaguars and their natural habitats.
Symbolism Of Jaguar In Mexico?
The illustration of jaguars in Mesoamerican civilizations dates back to the mid-Formative period. The animal has a prominent appearance and association in the belief and culture systems of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies. The quick, powerful, and agile animal can take down any prey and is the most aggressive predator.
The Mesoamerican civilizations highlighted the jaguar god, and for Olmec, the jaguar was an influential element of religious ritual. For people who lived in the equatorial jungle, the jaguar was integrated into the energies of the residents.
Its formidable size, prominence as a predator, and survival capacity in the jungle made the animal respectable. The Maya and Olmec witnessed adopted it as a martial and authoritative symbol and integrated it into their mythology. Today, the jaguar is still an influential symbol just as in the past, in the energies of individuals who exist with this animal.
Also Check Our Guide On Jaguar In Arizona
Conclusion
And that was everything you need to know about the Jaguar In Mexico. I hope this article answered all your queries.
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