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Jaguar
photo M. Noonan
Among the most elusive of Costa Rican
rainforest species is the jaguar; the largest and most powerful of
the American members of the cat family. An adult jaguar may reach
more than 7 ft. long, weigh up to 200 lbs., and stand 2 ft. at the
shoulders.
The jaguar is the keystone predator of the rainforest, it serves to
regulate the population of other species, such as the agouti, so
that a balance is maintained. Without the jaguar, populations of
other animals may explode and strip the forest of its vegetation.
These solitary predators generally live within circular territories
about 3 miles in diameter, hunting for food on the forest floor, in
the trees, and even in the water.
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photo M. Noonan |
Throughout their range, jaguars are considered to be endangered. In
Costa Rica, they are already considered to be among the "living
dead." This means that their population is too thinly spread and
lacks the huge amounts of land needed to sustain viable numbers.
Sadly, it seems that in a few short years, no jaguar may be found in
the entire nation of Costa Rica at all.
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