Jaguar Scientific name Panthera onca In these countries: Mexico down through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. The Jaguar is found in Central and South America. Click here to find out which countries the Jaguar can be found in
Jaguars are good swimmers, and they often live close to water. Interesting facts: Jaguars do not chase their prey like many other big cats, but hide and jump out at it. The name Jaguar comes from the native American word ‘yaguar’ which means ‘animal that kills with one bound’. Jaguars have large heads and big teeth. They have a very strong bite – they can crack open tortoise and turtle shells.