Black Jaguar
Panthera onca (melanistic)
Also known as: Black Panther
The melanistic or 'black' jaguar is a colour variant of the jaguar (Panthera onca). It appears almost entirely black due to dense pigmentation but still shows the characteristic rosette pattern in certain lights.
Did you know?
Melanistic jaguars are not a separate species — their coat results from a dominant pigment gene and they are cryptic in dense forest habitats.Black Jaguar Quick Facts
Detailed Information on the Black Jaguar
Weight 85 kg
Height 70 cm
Length 170 cm
Top Speed 80 km/h
Social Structure: Solitary
Activity Pattern: Crepuscular/Nocturnal
Trophic Level: Apex Predator
Migration: Resident
Population Trend: Decreasing
Main Threats:
- Deforestation
- Poaching
- Farmer conflict
Amazon Basin
Pantanal
Family: Felidae
Order: Carnivora
