8 interesting facts about the jaguar: it has the strongest bite of all cats

The bite of an adult jaguar is so powerful that it can even bite through the shell of a tortoise. With more than 85 prey species on the menu, it is incredibly adaptable. But if the opportunity arises, it won't even reject a small avocado.

In the following, you can learn about the habits, history and unique characteristics of the jaguar, a symbol of power and strength.

1) On the bumpy road of evolution

Some genetic analyses suggest that the jaguar is most closely related to the lion, but not everyone agrees. Other studies consider, on the basis of the available data, that the lion is closer to the leopard. The reason for this discrepancy is that the taxonomic analysis of felids is still incomplete, despite the fact that researchers are constantly working to gain a clearer understanding of these magnificent creatures.

Another interesting fact about the jaguar’s classification is that it is the only member of the genus Panthera that is native to the Americas. This genus includes species such as, but not limited to, the lion and the leopard, the tiger or the snow leopard.

Many people confuse it with the leopard, which is found in Africa and Asia. The jaguar is more robust in build, has more detailed rosettes, often with a dot in the middle.

2.) Grown large

The Jaguar is muscular and compact. It is the largest feline species in the Americas, and is only outnumbered by the lion and the tiger worldwide. Although size varies depending on the sex and the area of occurrence, they generally range from 56 to 96 kg. The largest male ever recorded was 158 kg and the smallest female weighed 36 kg.

3.) There is also a black jaguar

Although the jaguar is basically spotted, there is also a melanistic variety, which is either completely black (melanism) or has very faint rosettes on a black background (pseudo-melanism). These animals, like the melanistic versions of the leopard, are colloquially known as black panthers. These animals do not form a separate population and black and spotted pups can be born in the same litter. It is more common in animals that live in tropical rainforests and are active during the day, suggesting that the shade helps them to hide.

4.) Apex predator

The adult jaguar is an apex predator, which means that it is not hunted by other animals and is at the top of the food chain. The jaguar is also considered to be a keystone species, as the data so far suggest that it regulates prey population levels, thus maintaining the balance of forest systems. More than 85 different prey species on the menu (which is considerably more than with any other big cats). However, not all scientists accept this, as fieldwork shows that population growth may not be sustainable.

The biggest threat, unsurprisingly, is mankind. The loss of its habitat, as well as poaching and hunting, is putting it under enormous pressure, but fortunately it is still “only” moderately threatened according to the Red List.

5.) Even the turtle shell can’t stand a chance

A 100 kilogram jaguar can bite with its canines at 4939 newtons, and with its molar teeth at 6922 newtons. This allows it to bite the turtles’ shells in half, giving it the title of the strongest biter among cats. This also seems like an incredibly scary number, but to put it in perspective, in the world the land animal with the greatest bite force on earth is the crocodile with its 16,460 newtons.

They are also highly intelligent hunters, ambushing from the water and even from the tops of trees. They also “fish” by moving their tails in the water, which attracts the fish. Instead of biting the neck of the victim, the jaguar usually crushes the skull. Although basically predators, they have been observed in the wild on several occasions eating avocados.

6. Like a squirrel in a tree…

You might not think it because of their stocky, massive build, but jaguars are great at climbing trees and even jumping from one to another. They are not quite as agile as monkeys, but they use their strength and powerful claws very effectively in such situations.

7) Unique voice

The jaguar howls and, for lack of a better word, “snorts”. Intense communication was observed between species in the wild, with individuals responding to each other’s vocalisations. This sound is described as “hoarse”. In fact, 5-6 throat sounds are heard at this time. It is used when greeting, courting and also when the mother comforts the pups.

8.) Mediates between the living and the dead

In the pre-Columbian Americas, the jaguar was a symbol of power and strength, and many people regarded it as a sacred animal and there were rituals in which people dressed in jaguar skins. The Mayans believed the jaguar to facilitate communication between the living and the dead and to protect the royal family. The big cat was seen as a companion in the spiritual world, and many Mayan rulers had names that included the Mayan word jaguar b’alam.