The endangered, elusive Jaguar (Panthera onca) is Central America’s largest cat. It is found in South and Central America, from Mexico to northern Argentina. Jaguars can be distinguished from other big cats by the shape of their spots. The spots resemble roses, and as such are known as rosettes. Jaguars are competent climbers, and often use their vantage point among the branches to pounce on unsuspecting prey below. They are normally found near water, and prefer swampland or tropical rainforest. They also survive in forests, grassland and scrub.
