Arizona Docent - i read recently that genetic tests have thrown out the classification of jaguar subspecies. and that they all represent on single species only with no races. this is a good outcome for those wishing to preserve these spectacular cats.
this doesn't mean that the melanistic gene however could be restricted largely to certain populations, however i wouldn't be surprised if it didn't exist in varying densities in all jaguar populations.
thanks for the genetic lesson on melanism. i had completely forgotten this. its interesting because it proves that despite leopards and jaguars sharing a recent common ancestor - melanism arose independently in both species after the split. clearly in both cases it is in no way disadvantageous, indeed in some habitats may prove advantageous, and thus is succeeded in both species.
