Jaguars are the apex predator of the Americas, declining from fragmented habitat, ranching conflict and illegal killing for their beautiful spotted coats.
Jaguars killed in retaliation for livestock predation suffer death from trapping, poisoning and shooting — all of which can cause prolonged suffering. Live jaguars captured for illegal wildlife trade are held in severely inadequate conditions before transport. The loss of jaguar corridors between forest fragments forces individuals through hostile human-dominated landscapes where conflict risk is highest. Cattle ranching practices including pasture maintenance increase jaguar-livestock contact.