Population characteristics |
Jaguars only inhibit 40% of their original historical range. In the 1800's the jaguar population extended from Southern Brazil north to Central America, and along west coasts of Mexico. Jaguars could be found in the southwestern United States, and as far north as the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The population ranged over 400,000 jaguars. This population continued until the 1960's where approximately 18000 Jaguars were killed each year until 1973. In 1960 the estimated Jaguar population was 300,000. At the end of the decade in 1970 only 125,000 Jaguars remained. In 1985 there was an estimated 25000 jaguars roaming the wild. Today it is estimated that only 15, 000 jaguars remain in the wild, and have been protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1973
The graph displays an Exponential Growth pattern. Ever since the Jaguar population has been recorded, it has declined year by year. The birth rates prove to be declining as the death rates are increasing. This has caused the number on jaguars to decline steadily.
There are a variety of factors that have caused Jaguars to become endangered within the past 150 years. The first being threats from habitat restrictions. The most common habitats for Jaguars are rain forests, swamps, and flood plains. As a result of deforestation these habitats have been destroyed. A second limiting factor is the threat caused by human interactions. The Jaguar population has declined due to increased rates of human development and urbanization in South America. As well as the loss of habitat due to agricultural purposes. Habitat loss means that Jaguars must migrate to new habitats. This leaves them vulnerable to being hunted by humans, as well as vulnerability to starvation if they cannot find enough prey to sustain their population.