Jaguars are carnivores and must eat meat to survive. They primarily hunt deer, wild pigs, tapirs, and capybaras but will also eat smaller animals, such as rodents and birds. Jaguars are ambush predators and typically hunt from a concealed location, such as tall grass or trees. They use their sharp teeth and claws to kill their prey.
2. Water
Jaguars need access to water to drink, bathe, and cool off. They typically live near rivers, lakes, or swamps. Jaguars are very good swimmers and will often swim to reach prey or to escape danger.
3. Shelter
Jaguars need shelter to protect themselves from the elements and from predators. They typically live in dense forests, where they can find trees or dense vegetation to hide in. Jaguars will also use caves or hollow logs as shelter.
4. Space
Jaguars are territorial animals and need a large amount of space to live. A single jaguar may have a territory that covers several square kilometers. Jaguars will defend their territory from other jaguars and from other predators.
5. Mates
Jaguars are solitary animals, but they must come together to mate. Jaguars typically breed during the wet season and will give birth to 1-2 cubs after a gestation period of about 100 days. Jaguars cubs are born blind and helpless, and they rely on their mother for food and protection. Jaguars cubs typically stay with their mother for 1-2 years before becoming independent.