The Jaguar in Argentina: Where It Lives and Fun Facts about It
Two wild jaguar cubs were born in Esteros del Iberá Wetlands, a milestone in the country’s history. What is the story behind this symbolic animal of the Argentinian fauna? Where does it live, and what are its characteristics?
The largest feline in America is also an emblematic animal for the country with the End of the World. So much so that in 2001, it was declared a National Natural Monument, along with the south Andean deer, the southern right whale, and the taruca.
Its 250 centimetres long, 65-80 centimetres tall, and 50-100 kilos are features enough to explain the meaning of its name in Guaraní language: “the true beast”. A jaw capable of breaking bones, distinctive claws and legs which make it a great swimmer, and the ideal fur to become camouflaged in nature when attacking its prey.
Impressive and majestic, the jaguar has lived in Argentina since the beginning of the 20 th century, but the progressive destruction of its habitat along with poaching have led to considering it a critically endangered species. In fact, today there are only 250 specimens in the territory (5% of its historical distribution).
Watching it is quite a feat, but adventurers remain hopeful of photographing its unique rosette-like black spots in Misiones’ rainforest, Jujuy and Salta’s Yungas, and some areas of the Chaco region.
The Jaguar Reintroduction Project in Corrientes
More than 70 years ago, the predator became extinct in Corrientes. However, the Iberá Park, with an extension of 1.3 million hectares, has been considered the perfect home to bring it again with open arms. As a result, in 2012, a project was carried out with a single objective: reintroducing the species in the province. With the help and support of Fundación Rewilding Argentina, the government of Corrientes and national environmental authorities, the Jaguar Reintroduction Centre (CRY, by its acronyms in Spanish) was created. Since then, the centre’s specialists have been working hard to make sure the animal is out of danger and can continue to reproduce.
Six years after the creation of the CRY, the first cubs were born: Arami and Mbarete. In 2021, Arami was released, marking a significant milestone. Why? A year later, she gave birth to two cubs born in complete freedom, keeping alive the hopeful belief in the project. Sebastián Di Martino, Preservation Director of Fundación Rewilding Argentina, claims, “The Iberá population will have 10 free jaguars, which is extremely important considering that, in the entire Argentinian Chaco region, only about 15 specimens are believed to survive.”