Scent marking is a fundamental jaguar behaviour linked to identity, territory, and stress management — zoo environments must actively support this need.
Scent marking in jaguars is not merely territorial communication — it is deeply linked to psychological security and identity expression. Zoo environments that lack appropriate marking substrates and olfactory complexity deprive jaguars of a core behavioural outlet. The cumulative effect is chronic frustration and elevated background stress. Best practice involves rotating novel scent introductions (prey species urine, herbs, spices, conspecific faeces from distant individuals), providing multiple scratch posts of varied texture, and allowing keeper-applied scent trails that simulate patrol circuits. These low-cost interventions produce measurable welfare benefits and should be included in all jaguar enrichment programmes.