JAGUAR (Felis onca), the largest species of the Felidae on the American continent, where it ranges from Texas through Central and South America to Patagonia. In the countries which bound its northern limit it is not frequently met with, but in South America it is quite common. The jaguar is usually found singly and preys upon such quadrupeds as the horse, tapir, capy bara, dogs, or cattle. Occasionally the jaguar becomes a man eater. The cry of this great cat, which is heard at night, and most frequently during the pairing season, is deep and hoarse. Towards the close of the year the female brings forth from two to four cubs which are able to follow their mother in about 15 days after birth. The ground colour of the jaguar varies greatly, ranging from white to black, these extremes being, however, definite spots. The typical coloration is a rich tan upon the head,
neck, body, outside of legs and tail near the root, marked, except towards the end of the tail, which is ringed, with black spots, arranged in rosettes with a black spot in the centre (unlike the leopard). The nose and upper lip are light rufous brown. The average length is about 4f t. from nose to root of tail. The jaguar is thick-set ; it does not stand high upon its legs and in comparison with the leopard is heavily built; but its movements are rapid, and it is fully as agile as its more graceful relative. There are a number of local races in various parts of its range.