Jaguars play a critical role in rainforests as a “keystone species”

Jaguars control animal populations in rainforests to maintain a balanced food chain and healthy ecosystem. These apex predators once roamed freely from southern North America to central and south America.

Since the 1970s, their only natural predators—humans—have senselessly poached them and deforested their natural habitat. They are now completely eradicated from the United States and are highly vulnerable in their remaining territories.

Although some regulations are in place, the species has still lost nearly half of its historic range and over the last two decades alone, Jaguar populations have dropped by 25%.

Jaguars are fighting for survival

In order to survive, Jaguars need large swaths of rainforest to roam. With deforestation rates increasing, the only way this can be possible is to create, expand and connect protected areas.

Rainforest Trust has helped safeguard many large landscapes across Peru, Belize, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Guatemala that protect this beautiful and unique species.