"The spots gave it away. Just like a human fingerprint, the rosette pattern on each jaguar is unique so researchers knew they had a new animal on their hands after reviewing images captured by a remote camera in southern Arizona. The University of Arizona Wild Cat Research and Conservation Center says it's the fifth big cat over the last 15 years to be spotted in the area after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border."
"More than 99% of the jaguar's range is found in Central and South America, and the few male jaguars that have been spotted in the U.S. are believed to have dispersed from core populations in Mexico, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Federal biologists have listed primary threats to the endangered species as habitat loss and fragmentation along with the animals being targeted for trophies and illegal trade."
A jaguar photographed by a remote camera at a southern Arizona watering hole was identified as a new individual by its unique rosette pattern. The University of Arizona Wild Cat Research and Conservation Center reports it is the fifth big cat observed domestically after crossing from Mexico in 15 years. Researchers will collect scat for genetic analysis to determine sex and diet, which can include skunks, javelina, and small deer. The species' presence suggests a functioning landscape, but climate change, drought, and border barriers threaten migratory connectivity. Most jaguar range lies in Central and South America; U.S. breeding has not been documented for over a century.
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