Jaguar Population Recovers in Mexico, But Still in Danger of Extinction

Advances in Mexican Jaguar Conservation: A Promising But Fragile Future

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-800-ECO
Published in 08-31-2025

A majestic encounter in the heart of the jungle. Two jaguars, symbols of nature's strength and beauty, cross paths in the green silence of their home.

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is the largest feline in the Americas and a symbol of Mexico's natural wealth. For decades, its population was threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with rural communities. However, in recent years, projects and strategies have given this endangered species a chance to recover.

Conservation progress
According to the latest national jaguar census, carried out in 2018 by the National Jaguar Conservation Alliance, Mexico's jaguar population increased by 20% compared to 2010. It is estimated that around 4,800 jaguars live in the wild today, mainly in the Yucatán Peninsula, Chiapas, and the Sierra Madre Occidental.

This recovery is explained by several factors:
1- Protected natural areas: The expansion of reserves and biological corridors has facilitated ecosystem connectivity.
2- Community collaboration: Local communities have embraced ecotourism and wildlife monitoring programs.
3- Scientific research: Universities and institutes have improved tracking through camera traps and genetic studies.

Mexican Jaguars: A Conservation Success Story Facing Ongoing Threats

Current challenges
Despite encouraging numbers, important threats remain:
a) Habitat loss: Deforestation driven by livestock and agriculture continues to fragment forests.
b) Poaching: Some jaguars are hunted due to livestock predation, causing conflict with farmers.
c) Climate change: Rising temperatures and extreme weather events threaten their ecosystems.

Future outlook
Mexico is now a Latin American leader in jaguar protection. Regionally, initiatives such as the Panthera Jaguar Program aim to secure a biological corridor connecting jaguar populations from Mexico to Argentina.

Protecting the jaguar means preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and the cultural heritage of Mexico.