On the eve of Jaguars International Day – November 29 – Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay announce a trinational commitment for the conservation of the largest feline in the Americas. Aware of the realities of each country, “Together for jaguars” initiative will focus efforts to maintain and increase the population of jaguars in Missionary Forest (Argentina), Atlantic Forest (Brazil), as well as generate the necessary conditions for the American tiger to continue touring the Atlantic Forest in Paraguay.
“Even today, in rural and indigenous communities, they avoid naming jaguars for fear of it appears. Although unfortunately the alteration of its habitat makes us fear that it will not reappear in many places that were its habitat. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to continue to highlight the close connection between our health and that of nature. Therefore, if the alteration of the territory of jaguars is affected it, so do humans. This is because the specie is an “indicator” of the health of the environment, because it plays an important role in the maintenance of natural systems that provide ecosystem services vital for the well-being of nature and people“, said Manuel Jaramillo, Director General of Fundación Vida Silvestre.
“The results achieved in recent years are encouraging and show that conservation efforts are taking effect. The population of jaguars in Brazil’s Iguazu National Park, for example, is the only one in the Atlantic Forest, which is obviously on a growing curve,” says Felipe Feliciani, conservation analyst at WWF-Brazil.
Lucy Aquino, Director of WWF in Paraguay, said that “this majestic feline, with its energy and color, is an emblem of Latin America. We cannot let it disappear, but in order to preserve it and recover its populations, much more is required than the efforts of environmental organizations, but also of unprecedented political will, a demand from civil society, communities, and concrete commitment to commodity production and markets.”
The trinational strategy for the conservation of jaguars includes a wide range of activities that seek to impact on its preys, essential for their survival, therefore, addresses the problem of poaching and unsustainable practices in livestock production, which are two of the most important threats to the species in the region. To do this, the strategy is carried out on the following fronts:
- Awareness and social participation, positioning society against hunting culture and illegal wildlife trade.
- Strong law enforcement and strengthening of protected natural areas.
- Reduction of conflict between rural producers and wildlife, implementing economic opportunities that value wildlife.
- Ensure habitat for the future of jaguars, both jungles that are protected by law, and forests that are not. These must be maintained to serve as ecological corridors.
- Support the constant generation of knowledge about jaguars and ecosystem where it lives, to make good decisions for its conservation.
