Maintaining genetic diversity across jaguar populations requires landscape-scale connectivity conservation linking isolated subpopulations across Central and South America.
Wild jaguar welfare is inextricably linked to genetic health, which requires population connectivity across a continental scale. Genetically isolated subpopulations face increased inbreeding depression, reduced disease resistance and diminished adaptive capacity. Individual jaguars attempting to disperse through fragmented landscapes face direct welfare threats from road mortality, persecution by ranchers and conflict with other wildlife. Conservation of genetic diversity therefore requires landscape-scale approaches that maintain or restore corridor habitats enabling safe movement between subpopulations. Community engagement with ranching families along corridor routes is essential for reducing jaguar persecution.