By Victor Castelazo | Project Assistant
We are thrilled to share a remarkable update from our ongoing camera trap analysis. After years of dedicated monitoring, we've successfully completed the crucial identification phase. Out of a staggering collection of over 55,800 photos and videos spanning nearly two decades, approximately 1,100 capture the elusive beauty of jaguars. From this treasure trove, we've meticulously selected 448 high-quality images, unveiling the secrets of 66 unique jaguar individuals.
Through meticulous examination, we've not only identified these majestic creatures but also classified them by sex. The results are fascinating: 32 proud males, 20 magnificent females, and 14 intriguing individuals with undetermined sex due to the challenges posed by some images – a testament to our dedication in capturing these elusive beings.
This invaluable data has granted us extraordinary insights into the jaguar population in the Yucatan Peninsula's Northeast region, where a protected area named El Zapotal (ACEZ) is located. We've unraveled the presence of three distinct generations, and our cameras have been privileged to witness no less than six mesmerizing mating events, with three culminating in successful reproduction. One such success story follows the journey of the first confirmed jaguar born in ACEZ, who continues to grace our territory.
In 2006, our cameras captured a magical moment when Hercules and Alfonsina marked the Yucatan Peninsula as their home, becoming the first recorded wild jaguar couple in the region. While we cherish the memory, we remain uncertain if cubs emerged from their passionate union. Their presence blessed the region until 2007.
In the following year, another enchanting duo, Titan & Chantico, entered the spotlight, though we couldn't ascertain if offspring were born. This charming couple continued their reign until 2015, leaving us with cherished memories.
In 2011, Manotas and Maia danced into our cameras, but the fate of their cubs remains uncertain. However, the following year, our lenses revealed the heartwarming sight of Maia with two precious cubs. We calculated their conception year to be 2012, and it warms our hearts to know that at least one cub thrived. Olivia, a beloved female jaguar, graced ACEZ until at least 2022, and we remain hopeful for her return.
In 2017, our cameras once again captured the magic of jaguar mating through the enchanting images of Camelia and her cub.
Finally, in 2021, we celebrated the latest evidence of jaguar reproduction – the sighting of a cub.
Despite our tireless efforts spanning nearly two decades, questions about jaguar mating and nursing in the Yucatan Peninsula persist. With your support, we can continue to monitor, protect, and unveil the mysteries of these magnificent creatures in our region. Your contribution will make a lasting impact, ensuring that the legacy of jaguars in ACEZ endures for generations to come. Join us in this extraordinary journey of discovery and preservation.
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can recieve an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
