Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0Jaguar
Panthera onca · jaguarete
The largest cat in the Americas and a symbol of Paraguay's wild forests; scarce and very hard to see.
What it is
Powerfully built, with rosette-patterned spots and an extremely strong bite, the jaguar (yaguareté) is the third-largest cat in the world. In Paraguay it survives mainly in the Dry Chaco, the Pantanal and a few large forests in the east, such as Mbaracayú. The IUCN lists it as Near Threatened globally, but Paraguay's national list classifies it as Critically Endangered because of habitat loss and hunting.
Did you know…?
Under Law 7145, Paraguay celebrates National Jaguar Day every November 29.
Where
Sightings are very rare; its tracks are much easier to find. It lives in Defensores del Chaco National Park, Médanos del Chaco, the Alto Paraguay Pantanal and the Mbaracayú Reserve. Only visit with guides and park rangers.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.