The jaguar, named Boyrá, an expression in Guarani that means “treasure of the jungle,” and Yaguareté in spanish was photographed again in the area of Iguazu Falls, marking its second historic sighting. Captured by monitoring cameras, it provides valuable information about its habits.
In an exciting chapter on biodiversity conservation in Misiones, the Iguazú National Park announced the second historic record of the majestic jaguar named Boyrá, near the imposing Iguazu Falls. This feline, whose name in Guarani translates as “treasure of the jungle,” has once again been captured by monitoring cameras, providing valuable information about its habits and behavior.
The first documented encounter with Boyrá took place in 2020 when this imposing male roamed the Brazilian side of the protected reserve. In this new sighting, dated December 15, 2023, and announced this Tuesday, the team from the Iguazú National Park managed to register the presence of the jaguar in detail, marking a milestone in conservation efforts for this threatened species.
As you can understand, it is a very difficult animal to see, but it lives in the area of the majestic Iguazu Falls.
A BIT MORE ABOUT THE JAGUAR THAT LEAVES IN IGUAZU FALLS
The jaguar is the largest feline in America. Its height at the withers (back) ranges from 70 to 90 cm, and its length varies between 110 and 180 cm (not including its tail), with males weighing around 80 kg and females around 60 kg. Its body is wide and compact, with a robust head and powerful jaws. The coat is short, with a brown-yellowish coloration, white ventrally, covered with black rosettes (spots) enclosing a series of dots of the same color inside. The shape and distribution of these spots vary from one to another. There are also melanistic individuals, with black fur, on which even darker spots can be observed when backlit, as well as albino specimens, with white fur, but they are rarer.
JAGUAR OR YAGUARETÉ: Other names
The Jaguar has a scientific name: the Panthera onca
Common Names: are Jaguar, Tiger, Yaguar, Uturunco, Nahuel or Nawel, Overo, Spotted, He, Michilo, Compadre, Bicho.
A BIT MORE ABOUT THE JAGUAR
Originally, the jaguar inhabited from northern Argentine Patagonia to the southern United States. The threats affecting the feline include deforestation and habitat loss, hunting, and jaguar and other animal roadkill.
Due to its wide geographical distribution, the same species is called by various names depending on the culture and region it inhabited: jaguar, el pintado, onça pintada, nahuel, American tiger, jaguar, balam, otorongo, among others. However, its habitat and therefore its population are shrinking: in Argentina, there are fewer than 250 jaguars, having become extinct in Uruguay and El Salvador.
It is the largest feline in Latin America and the third largest worldwide, after the Bengal tiger and the lion. It is considered an “indicator” species of environmental health because it plays an important role in maintaining natural systems that provide vital ecosystem services for the well-being of nature and people. Therefore, its conservation and that of its habitat indirectly protect other species of flora and fauna and ensure a healthy environment for people.
THE JAGUAR OR YAGUARETÉ: CHARACTERISTICS
It has a relatively short tail, rounded ears, and large paws. The color of its fur is ochre, with rosette-shaped spots. Each jaguar’s spot is unique, like our fingerprints. It stands out for its robust appearance and proportionally large head with a powerful jaw structure, the strongest of all felines. Males reach up to 2.50 meters in length, including the tail, and weigh up to 140 kg.
It has a wide and varied diet, feeding on large vertebrates such as tapirs, peccaries, and deer. Also included in its diet are pacas, agoutis, coatis, caimans, and smaller prey such as turtles, lizards, birds, fish, cavies, and agoutis.
JAGUAR OR YAGUARETÉ REPRODUCTION
The sexual maturity of the feline is between 2 and 3 years in females, and between 3 and 4 years in males. After mating, the jaguar pair separates, and it is the female who raises the cubs. The gestation period is 90 to 110 days, then she can give birth to a litter of between 1 to 3 cubs. They only suckle for up to 3 months, and between 3 and 6 months, their diet becomes exclusively carnivorous.
CAN I SEE A JAGUAR IN THE AREA OF IGUAZU FALLS?
While the jaguar inhabits the area and has been seen a couple of times, the reality is that it is very difficult to see it and guarantee encountering this animal wandering through the jungle. However, it is possible to arrange a meeting with a professional photographer who has lived in the area for many years and has very interesting stories to tell about the animal. Additionally, he offers an afternoon with tapas and beer at the La Lorenza natural complex, which is a more than interesting activity. Check the information below.
BOOK A TOUR: IGUAZU FALLS AND JAGUAR TALKS & BEER BY EMILIO WHITE
Click on the image below and enjoy this wonderful tour
