One year ago, the last known jaguar in Arizona (USA) was euthanized at the Phoenix Zoo vet lab, after not recovering from a radio collar placed a week and a half prior. A couple weeks ago, a camera trap captured another jaguar photo. Not quite in Arizona, but only 30 miles (50 kilometeres?) south of Arizona in Sonora, Mexico. The closest we have come in a year and given their wide range it may very well be crossing into Arizona. Article link attached below.
In related news, a couple of local (southern Arizona) environmental groups have repeatedly sued the US Fish & Wildlife service to declare critical habitat for a jaguar recovery plan. Although the groups lost twice before, this time they won. However, Alan Rabinowitz, the highly esteemed jaguar researcher and president of Panthera, has issued a statement condemning the ruling and saying the Fish & Wildlife would be better off NOT declaring it since the US is outside of the jaguar's breeding range and not necessary to the longterm survival of the species.
In related news, a couple of local (southern Arizona) environmental groups have repeatedly sued the US Fish & Wildlife service to declare critical habitat for a jaguar recovery plan. Although the groups lost twice before, this time they won. However, Alan Rabinowitz, the highly esteemed jaguar researcher and president of Panthera, has issued a statement condemning the ruling and saying the Fish & Wildlife would be better off NOT declaring it since the US is outside of the jaguar's breeding range and not necessary to the longterm survival of the species.
