International Jaguar Day, which is observed on November 29 every year globally, brings attention to the myriad conservation efforts led by governments, organisations and individuals. These initiatives are aimed at fostering the growth and preservation of the jaguar species by supporting the expansion of their natural habitats.

History of International Jaguar Day

The origins of International Jaguar Day can be traced back to the mid-20th century when the jaguar population faced a sharp decline due to habitat loss and rampant poaching. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed extensive hunting for their luxurious fur, raising alarm globally. In 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) classified jaguars as an endangered species.

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Despite these efforts, habitat loss persisted, and the need for dedicated conservation initiatives became evident. In 2018, International Jaguar Day was conceived by Panthera, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The date, November 29, was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Liso, a jaguar rehabilitated by the Belize Zoo, in Central America, after falling victim to a trap. Liso became a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring the creation of this international day.

Representatives from 14 jaguar-inhabiting countries convened in New York in March 2018, crafting the Jaguar 2030 Statement—a comprehensive plan to ensure the survival and thriving of jaguars worldwide. Dr Alan Rabinowitz, known as the Jaguar Man and the ‘Indiana Jones of Wildlife Protection,’ played a pivotal role in the establishment of International Jaguar Day as a co-founder of Panthera.

Significance of International Jaguar Day

International Jaguar Day serves as a platform to emphasise the importance of protecting jaguars, the largest wild cats in the Americas. Jaguars act as an umbrella species, meaning that safeguarding their habitats benefits a number of other plants and animals, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems.

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The day serves as an opportunity to address the key threats facing jaguars, including habitat destruction, illegal hunting and human-wildlife conflicts. By fostering discussions around these challenges, advocates aim to protect jaguar habitats, combat illegal hunting, and promote coexistence between jaguars and human communities.

Threats to Jaguars

Despite concerted conservation efforts, jaguars continue to face numerous threats. The Jaguar 2030 forum identified hunting as a primary menace, with jaguars sought for their skin, paws, teeth, and bones, often for use in Chinese medicine. Though trade in jaguar parts is now prohibited, illegal trading and poaching persist, fuelled by the demand for sports trophies and meat. Loss of habitat remains a critical risk, with deforestation shrinking jaguar populations and human activities encroaching on their natural habitats.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)