By Sophie Birkett | Charitable Trust Manager
Jaguars have been practically eliminated from Mexican territory because of the destruction of their habitat. In spite of this, they are still found in remote areas where development is minimal, and even in areas near rural villages. Jaguars have suffered deliberate persecution as hunting trophies and as a perceived threat to cattle. They are also included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) so any international trade of this species, it’s parts (often in demand for Chinese traditional medicine) or it’s hunting is strictly prohibited.
Amigos de Sian Ka’an with the El Eden reserve are taking part in the Jaguar corridor initiative to try to help extend the current range of this vital predator. The territory of the female jaguar is about 25 and 40 km2 and it can lap with the territories of other females, but the animals avoid encountering each other if possible. The territories of male jaguars are twice as large.Jaguars are the largest predators in Tropical America, and they need enormous land extensions for their conservation.
This November we have been lucky enough to observe jaguar prints on base and, just one kilometer from the base, a lucky staff member even sighted a female with two cubs. Whilst following the jaguar prints South along the beach, two staff members discovered the carcass of a Green Sea Turtle dragged into the undergrowth bordering the sand.
Acting quickly, CONANP in conjunction with Amigos de Sian Ka’an have set up five camera traps with the purpose of comparing the characteristics of these individuals with other sightings in the area, they have also confirmed that a jaguar was responsible for the death of the Green Sea Turtle found by the staff. Amigos de Sian Ka’an and CONAMP hope to investigate the range and prey of the Jaguars moving through the area. In Mexico there are sixteen areas that have been deemed important for the conservation of the species, eight of those are primary priority areas, like the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, with confirmed jaguar populations present
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