Return of the Jaguar: Conservation Efforts Pay Off

Multinational cooperation, alongside extensive conservation efforts, has more than doubled the jaguar population on the Brazil-Argentina Iguaçu-Iguazú border.

“To maintain a jaguar population in the long term means [the ecosystem] is healthy and balanced. The jaguar is an indicator of environmental quality. We usually say: ‘Where there are jaguars, there’s life,” says Yara Barros, a biologist who led conservation efforts.

Back in 2010, the jaguar population roaming Brazil’s Iguaçu park had nearly been depleted – only nine individuals remained, mainly due to human-caused environmental degradation. Collaboration between Brazilian and Argentinian conservation groups has allowed the jaguars to once again thrive in the region, ultimately benefiting the species, the ecosystem, and the local area. Thanks to additional support, education, local involvement, and fundraising, the jaguar repopulation mission is expected to extend its reach into neighbouring Paraguay soon.