In the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, a rare story of survival and hope unfolded with the rewilding of Xamã, a young jaguar whose tale captures both the beauty and complexity of big cat conservation in Brazil. His journey through fire, recovery, and release into the wild underscores the mounting threats facing jaguars and the painstaking efforts required to protect them.

A Cub from the Ashes

Xamã was just 2 months old when he was discovered in 2022, weak and malnourished, in the Sinop municipality of Mato Grosso—a region deep within the “arc of deforestation,” a zone where agriculture and fire relentlessly reshape the Amazon. It is believed that his mother either perished in a wildfire or was forced to abandon him in the chaos. At the time of his rescue, the cub weighed only 10 kilograms (22 pounds).

Veterinarians at the Federal University of Mato Grosso quickly stepped in, providing life-saving care. While Xamã was physically fragile, his wild instincts remained intact—a crucial sign that he might be a candidate for reintroduction. This potential drew the attention of World Animal Protection (WAP), which recognized an opportunity to use his story to raise awareness about how agribusiness and deforestation are endangering Brazil’s iconic wildlife.

The Road to Recovery and Reintroduction

Under the guidance of Onçafari, a leading organization in jaguar rewilding, Xamã underwent a long and delicate rehabilitation process. The team at Onçafari had previously made history by successfully reintroducing jaguar sisters Isa and Fera in 2016. They brought the same level of dedication and expertise to Xamã’s journey.

After five months of veterinary care, Xamã was transported nearly 700 kilometers (435 miles) to a massive rehabilitation enclosure in Pará. The enclosure, once used by jaguars Vivara and Pandora, became the new home where Xamã would learn to survive in the wild. At 27.5 kilograms (61 pounds), he had grown stronger, but he remained a cub in a very large forest.

Biologist Leonardo Sartorello, Onçafari’s reintroduction coordinator, voiced initial concerns about Xamã’s age and size. Once released into the 15,000-square-meter (3.7-acre) enclosure, Xamã disappeared into the brush. Cameras provided the only glimpses of him. He didn’t eat for six days, but eventually began feeding again, a small yet significant milestone.

Preparing for the Wild

Months passed, and Xamã slowly began to explore the enclosure. One of the most critical signs of readiness for rewilding was his ability to hunt. Initially, it took him 10 to 15 minutes to kill live prey. Over time, he mastered the technique, able to dispatch animals with a swift bite to the neck. This transformation was a key marker of survival skills.

Another sign of progress was his behavior toward other jaguars. At first, Xamã displayed submissiveness when bigger males approached the fence. But by the end of the program, camera trap footage showed him asserting himself, challenging rivals, and confidently patrolling his space.

In October 2024, after nearly two years of rehabilitation, the gate of Xamã’s enclosure was opened for a soft release. After more than 12 cautious hours, he took his first steps into the wild and never looked back. His GPS collar, which pings every two hours, showed he roamed across more than 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres) of rainforest, eventually settling around 15 kilometers from his enclosure.

Conservation Success Against a Grim Backdrop

Xamã’s story is a rare conservation success in a country that holds nearly half the world’s remaining jaguars. Brazil’s estimated 10,000 jaguars are spread across different biomes: the Amazon, Pantanal, Atlantic Rainforest, and Caatinga. Yet all of these regions are under siege from various threats.

In the Pantanal, extreme drought and fire have devastated habitats. In 2024, the Paraguay River reached historic lows, worsening wildfires that claimed the lives of countless animals. Among the victims was Gaia, a jaguar monitored for a decade by Onçafari. Amanaci, another fire victim, survived but with irreversible injuries that prevent her from ever returning to the wild.

Institutions like NEX No Extinction, which have cared for dozens of rescued jaguars since 2000, face mounting costs and bureaucratic hurdles. Each jaguar requires up to $700 a month for food and care, with total reintroduction costs ranging from $140,000 to $180,000 per animal. And despite the high stakes, government support remains negligible.

Poaching, Trafficking, and Human Conflict

Jaguars also face threats beyond wildfires. In the Atlantic Rainforest, habitat fragmentation limits genetic diversity, while roadkill and farm encroachment increase human-wildlife conflict. In retaliation for livestock predation, farmers sometimes kill jaguars, perpetuating a cycle of violence driven by habitat loss.

Poaching is another growing concern. The demand for jaguar body parts, particularly from China, where the animal is dubbed the “American tiger,” has fueled illegal trade. In Iquitos, Peru, and along the Amazon River, traders openly sell jaguar hides, teeth, and skulls. Weak penalties and inadequate enforcement allow poachers to continue operating with near impunity.

In 2024, authorities in Santo Antônio do Içá raided a home where a man was raising an 8-month-old jaguar cub. He claimed to have “found” it in the forest, a claim experts like Sartorello dismiss as highly unlikely. The cub was too accustomed to humans to be rewilded and was sent to NEX.

Brazilian laws offer little deterrent. Illegal hunting is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of around $880 per animal. In one notable case, a man who killed four jaguars was fined just $3,500.

A Symbol and a Warning

Xamã’s story is now the subject of a documentary, Xamã — On the Jaguar’s Trail, produced by World Animal Protection. The film aims to raise awareness of how food production, wildfire, pesticide use, and land fragmentation are all connected to wildlife loss.

“In 2022, Mato Grosso had the most wildfires in Brazil. The burned area was nearly the size of Denmark,” says WAP biologist Júlia Trevisan. “We lost an entire generation in the forest.”

Despite the odds, Xamã’s reintroduction was successful, thanks to the perseverance of dedicated conservationists. But for every Xamã, there are many other jaguars that won’t be so lucky. Protecting the future of this apex predator—and the ecosystems it shapes—will require systemic changes, stronger laws, public awareness, and far greater support.

As Trevisan warns, “Jaguars are more than charismatic animals. They are keystone species whose disappearance can unravel entire ecosystems.”

Xamã walks free today. But his story is a reminder that without urgent action, the future of his species hangs in the balance.

 

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is one of the most powerful and enigmatic creatures roaming the wild landscapes of the Americas. As the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere and the third-largest in the world—after the tiger and lion—the jaguar commands both awe and respect. Known for its stunning coat, formidable hunting prowess, and mysterious presence, the jaguar plays a crucial ecological role and holds deep cultural significance among Indigenous peoples and modern conservationists alike.

Taxonomy and Evolution

The jaguar belongs to the genus Panthera, which also includes lions (P. leo), tigers (P. tigris), leopards (P. pardus), and snow leopards (P. uncia). Genetic evidence suggests that the jaguar diverged from its closest relatives approximately 2 million years ago and migrated from Asia into the Americas via the Bering land bridge.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Mammalia

• Order: Carnivora

• Family: Felidae

• Genus: Panthera

• Species: P. onca

The name “jaguar” is derived from the Indigenous Tupi-Guarani word yaguareté, meaning “true beast” or “he who kills with one leap.”

Physical Characteristics

Jaguars are easily recognized by their muscular build, broad head, and distinctive coat patterned with rosettes—spots with central dots inside. While similar to leopards in appearance, jaguars are more robust and have shorter, stockier limbs and a more powerful bite.

• Size: Adult males can weigh between 100–250 lbs (45–113 kg), while females are generally smaller.

• Length: Including the tail, jaguars can reach up to 7 feet (2.1 meters).

• Color Morphs: Melanistic jaguars, often called “black panthers,” possess a dark coat due to excess melanin, although their rosettes are still faintly visible.

  

Habitat and Range

Historically, jaguars ranged from the southwestern United States through Central America and down into Argentina. Today, their range has drastically shrunk due to habitat loss and human persecution.

Preferred Habitats

• Rainforests (e.g., the Amazon Basin)

• Wetlands (e.g., Pantanal of Brazil)

• Dry forests and scrublands

• Swamps and riverine forests

The jaguar is an elusive creature, favoring dense, tropical or subtropical forests where it can stalk prey under cover of foliage. However, it is highly adaptable and can survive in arid or mountainous regions when necessary.

Behavior and Diet

Jaguars are solitary, territorial animals. Males maintain large territories that may overlap with those of several females. They are generally nocturnal but may also be active during the day in undisturbed areas.

Hunting and Diet

Jaguars are apex predators and have an incredibly varied diet, including:

• Mammals (capybaras, peccaries, deer, tapirs)

• Reptiles (caimans, turtles, snakes)

• Fish and birds

They are ambush predators and often kill by biting through the skull of their prey—a technique unique among big cats. Their bite is the strongest of any big cat relative to body size, allowing them to pierce even the thick shells of turtles.

Reproduction and Lifecycle

Mating can occur year-round, though peaks often coincide with the rainy season. After a gestation period of about 100 days, a female gives birth to 1–4 cubs, which she raises alone.

• Cub survival: High infant mortality is common due to predation and competition.

• Lifespan: In the wild, jaguars live 12–15 years, while in captivity they may live over 20 years.

Cultural and Mythological Importance

To many Indigenous cultures of the Americas, the jaguar is more than just a predator—it is a symbol of strength, protection, and mysticism.

• Maya Civilization: Jaguars were associated with the underworld and night; rulers often wore jaguar pelts as symbols of power.

• Aztecs: The elite Jaguar Warriors were a prestigious military order.

• Amazon Tribes: Shamans often revered jaguars as spiritual guides or gods.

Threats and Conservation

Despite their strength and adaptability, jaguars face numerous threats today:

Primary Threats

• Deforestation and habitat fragmentation due to agriculture, mining, and logging

• Human-wildlife conflict, particularly with ranchers

• Illegal hunting and poaching, often for skins or body parts used in traditional medicine or rituals

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (with some local populations critically endangered)

• CITES: Appendix I (prohibiting international trade)

Conservation organizations are working on several fronts:

• Establishing wildlife corridors (e.g., the Jaguar Corridor Initiative)

• Promoting eco-tourism and sustainable land-use practices

• Strengthening anti-poaching laws and protections

The Jaguar’s Role in Ecosystems

As a keystone species, the jaguar maintains the balance of its ecosystem by regulating populations of herbivores and other prey animals. Their decline can lead to overgrazing, biodiversity loss, and ecological imbalance.

Conclusion

The jaguar is a symbol of wildness and resilience—a creature whose presence reminds us of nature’s power and fragility. Preserving the jaguar means preserving entire ecosystems across the Americas. Through international cooperation, education, and conservation, we can ensure that the roar of the jaguar continues to echo through the forests and wetlands for generations to come.

What Jaguars Like: Inside the World of a Stealthy Predator

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is one of the most majestic and mysterious big cats in the world. Native to the Americas, this powerful feline is not only known for its strength and beauty, but also for its particular likes—its favorite environments, foods, and habits. Let’s take a closer look at what jaguars enjoy in the wild.

Jaguars Like Dense, Wild Habitats

Jaguars thrive in natural, wild areas. Their favorite habitats are:

• Rainforests – such as the Amazon, full of trees and cover for stalking prey.

• Wetlands – like the Pantanal in Brazil, rich in wildlife and water sources.

• Rivers and swamps – jaguars love areas near water, not just for drinking, but also for hunting.

These environments offer jaguars plenty of hiding spots, a variety of prey, and the isolation they prefer.

 

 Jaguars Like to Be Alone

Unlike lions, jaguars are solitary animals. They do not live in groups and prefer to roam and hunt alone.

• Males establish large territories and patrol them regularly.

• Females may tolerate their cubs for a couple of years but eventually raise them to be independent.

They enjoy peace and space, staying away from human activity and even other jaguars.

Jaguars Like Meat—Especially Certain Prey

As carnivores, jaguars only eat meat. But they have some favorite foods, thanks to their strong jaws and stealthy hunting techniques:

Favorite Prey:

• Capybaras – large rodents found near rivers.

• Caimans – small crocodile-like reptiles that jaguars surprise by the water.

• Deer, peccaries, tapirs, and even turtles.

They are one of the few big cats that will bite straight into the skull or shell of their prey, using their extremely powerful bite.

 Jaguars Like Water

Unlike most cats, jaguars love water. They are excellent swimmers and often hunt near rivers or lakes.

They will:

• Wade into streams to hunt for fish.

• Swim across rivers when moving through their territory.

• Cool off in water during hot days.

This love for water sets jaguars apart from many other cats in the animal kingdom.

Jaguars Like the Night

Jaguars are mostly nocturnal, which means they prefer to be active during the nighttime.

At night, they:

• Hunt under the cover of darkness.

• Travel across their territory with less risk of being seen.

• Use their excellent night vision and hearing to track prey.

This nighttime behavior helps them avoid humans and conserve energy during the heat of the day.

Jaguars Like to Stalk and Ambush

Jaguars don’t chase their prey for long distances like cheetahs. Instead, they:

• Move quietly through thick vegetation.

• Stalk and ambush their prey, launching a quick and deadly attack.

• Use surprise and strength to bring down animals much larger than themselves.

Their favorite style of hunting is quick, stealthy, and powerful—just like them.

 Do Jaguars Like Each Other?

They mostly avoid one another, but they come together during:

• Mating season

• Raising cubs (females only)

• Occasionally crossing paths, but they usually avoid fights unless defending territory

While not social animals, jaguars respect each other’s space and communicate through scent and vocalizations like roars and grunts.

What Do Jaguars Need to Be Happy?

To truly thrive, jaguars need:

• Large, undisturbed habitats

• Abundant prey

• Clean rivers and wetlands

• Protection from poaching and habitat loss

Jaguars “like” places where they are free to live like they always have: wild, free, and alone in nature.

Conclusion

Jaguars are creatures of stealth, strength, and solitude. They like thick forests, quiet rivers, and the cover of night. They enjoy hunting powerful prey and swimming in deep waters. Most of all, jaguars like to be left alone in the wild landscapes where they belong.

Understanding what jaguars like helps us protect them. By preserving their favorite places and keeping their ecosystems intact, we ensure that these magnificent animals can continue to live and hunt the way nature intended.