Population Characteristics
The Jaguar species plays an important role in stabilizing ecosystems and preventing overgrazing of vegetation by keeping their prey population balanced. There are approximately 15000 jaguars remaining in the wild. During the 1960’s and 70’s, the Jaguar was hunted for its coat. As a result, 18000 Jaguars were killed each year. In 1973 CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) brought pelt trade to a halt. Unfortunately, Jaguars continue to be hunted due to humans who live in fear of them or view them as a threat. Jaguars were once found in the United States, but have become extinct there. They are quickly becoming extinct in Mexico. They have already become extinct in Chile, Uruguay and El Salvador. Now they only exist in 18 countries around Latin America.
|
Population densityPopulation Density is the number of individuals per unit of volume or area. The population density varies and is effected by method of “capture”. Camera trapping and capture-recapture with GPS assistance yield population estimates lower than traditional methods in Brazilian wetlands of Mato Grosso. 6.6-10.3 jaguars/100 sq km, one 2003 estimate 6.7-11.7 jaguars/100 sq km, one 2004 estimate In Different Countries: The Brazilian Pantanal- 6.6-6.7 adults per 100km2 In Bolivian Gran Chaco- 2.2-5 per 100km2 In Amazon Basin in Columbia- 4.5 per 100km2 In Amacayacu National Park- 2.5 per 100km2 In Madiai National Park in Bolivian Amazon- 2.8 per 100km2 |
Population distributionPopulation Distribution is the pattern in which a population is distributed or spread in an area. There are three types of population distribution patterns: uniform, random, and clumped. Jaguars present a uniform distribution pattern. This occurs when resources are evenly distributed but scarce. It is often a consequence of competition between individuals. Uniform distribution is seen amongst species who behave territorial to defend their food and shelter. Jaguars are territorial of land and resources, and they travel on their own. There is also not a large population of them which correlates with the attribute of negative interactions among population members. This pattern amongst Jaguars ensures adequate resources for the whole species.
|
Age structure and genetic diversityThe average lifespan for Jaguars is 12 years, and 27 in captivity. Females become sexually mature at two years of age while males become mature at three to four years old. The gestation period lasts 91-111 days. There was an estimated 18% of Jaguars that have a medium probability of long term survival. The remainder was classified as low probability for survival. There is a decreasing population trend among Jaguars. There are three main threats to Jaguars. The first being habitat loss and fragmentation of once wild areas due to agriculture and human development. Especially around the rain forest areas. The second threat is the direct hunting by people. Ranchers view Jaguars as threats and will kill them if seen. The third threat is lack of natural prey, such as deer. Genetic diversity refers to both the vast numbers of different species as well as the diversity within a species. The greater the genetic diversity within a species, the greater that species' chances of long-term survival. This is because negative traits (such as inherited diseases) become widespread within a population when that population is left to reproduce only with its own members. One of the main threats to Jaguars being habitat fragmentation may disturb the gene flow, therefore affecting the population units due to drift-induced orientation. Jaguars are highly exposed to an effect like this, given their low population densities. The Jaguar population is threatened with a loss of genetic diversity as of a result of habitat loss, poaching, and lack of prey. With these three threats being present and increasing in the lives of jaguars, population units decrease. This makes it harder for jaguars to mate with jaguars from different territories because of these factors decreasing the entire population. |