Key Points:
- There is only one species of jaguar, though scientists originally classified them into 9 subspecies. There are four specific regional types of jaguars with geographic differences only.
- Jaguars are usually larger and more muscular than leopards and have rounder, wider heads and smaller ears than leopards.
- Both leopards and jaguars that are black are referred to as black panthers. Both species can develop a condition called melanism, which is an increase in the dark pigmentation of their fur.
Jaguars (Panthera onca) are among the most rare and elusive big cats of the jungle. These beautiful wild cats have long been prized as important cultural symbols of power and courage. They were also highly prized for their gorgeous spotted fur. The word jaguar comes from the Mesoamerican word yaguar, which means to kill with one leap. It’s a fitting name for this fast, powerful cat that is an apex predator in its environment. The jaguar is the third-largest big cat in the world after the tiger and the lion. It is the only living member of the Panthera family native to the Americas.
Are There Different Types of Jaguars?
No, there is only one species or type of jaguar.
The jaguar’s scientific name is Panthera onca. Originally, biologists classed jaguars into nine subspecies and gave each its own scientific name:
- Panthera onca
- Pantera onca arizonensis
- Pantera onca centralis
- Pantera onca goldmani
- Pantera onca hernandesii
- Pantera onca palustris
- Pantera onca paraguensis
- Pantera onca peruviana
- Pantera onca veracrucis
In 2017, however, this identification changed. The Felidae taxonomy was revised to classify the jaguar as a monotype with no subspecies.
Biologists have named four specific regional groups of jaguars, and the jaguars in these groups differ slightly in size and appearance from each other. These are geographic differences only. These are not different types of jaguars, and they don’t have separate scientific names.
The four regions are:
- Mexico and Guatemala
- Southern Central America
- North of the Amazon
- South of the Amazon
Within the four regions where jaguars live, the climate is tropical. Their habitats include lakes, inland wetlands and rivers. Half of all jaguars dwell in Brazil, and the rest are found in countries in which the Amazon Rainforest is present. In the past, jaguars could be found in the Southwestern United States, but due to habitat loss, that is no longer the case.
Are Leopards a Type of Jaguar?
Leopards and jaguars look very similar. They share the same spotted appearance, large size, and ability to leap. They are related. Both are members of the Panthera family, but they are separate species.
How do you tell them apart? Identification is simple if you remember that a jaguar is usually larger and more muscular than a leopard. The jaguar also has a rounder, wider head, and smaller ears than a leopard.
They live in different regions. Leopards live in Africa, where they compete for food with lions, hyenas, and other predators. Jaguars are jungle cats who mostly live in the rainforests and jungles of Central and South America. The jaguar is an apex predator who has no real competition for prey.
Are There Black Jaguars?
Black jaguars are called black panthers. It’s a little confusing because black leopards are also called black panthers.
Here’s why. Both jaguars and their leopard cousins can develop a coloration called melanism. This is an increase in the dark pigmentation of their fur. It occurs in about 6% of all jaguars, and it causes their fur to look black. You can still see the spots up close, but it looks black from a distance. The term black panther applies to both leopards and jaguars who have this condition.
Are There Other Members of the Panthera Family?
Seven big cats belong to the Panthera family. Here’s a complete list with facts about each.
Tiger (Panthera tigris)
The largest cat in the world, the tiger is notable for being striped instead of spotted. This huge, powerful cat lives in the dense tropical forests of India and the cold snows of Siberia. Like jaguars, tigers are good swimmers.
Lion (Panthera leo)
The king of the beasts is second in size only to the tiger. The largest cat on the African continent, the lion differs from other big cats by being sociable instead of solitary. Identification of a lion is easy with its smooth, unspotted coat and curved tail.
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the largest cat on the American continent and one of the few New World big cats.
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
The leopard lives in Africa, where it competes with the lion and other predators for food. The leopard is a solitary hunter with a beautiful, spotted appearance that makes it look very much like a jaguar.
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
The stunning snow leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world. With its light gray coat, tufted paws and dark gray spots, it is also one of the most beautiful. It lives in the Central Asian mountains, including the Himalayas.
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
This cat with unusual markings lives in the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia. It is the smallest of the world’s wild cats. It is split into two species. The clouded leopard lives in China, Burma, and Nepal, and the Sunda clouded leopard lives in Borneo and Sumatra.