The jaguar, a descendant, like other cats, of the saber-toothed tiger and a sacred animal in Mesoamerica more than 500 years ago, is an endangered species in Mexico.
Morelia, Michoacán. The Morelia Benito Juárez Zoo announced the birth of two melanic jaguars. The jaguars weighed 900 grams and are in good health, thanks to the care of the parents and the operating personnel who carry out and supervise the daily care of them.
In the next few days the official presentation to the public will be made.
One of the characteristics of melanic jaguars is to have dark-colored fur and spots that are confused with the color of the skin, this is due to a hereditary characteristic. The gestation is three months on average, the babies are usually very small.
The jaguar is the largest feline on the American continent and is currently in danger of extinction; If the jungles and forests become extinct, they would be losing a natural protector, who helps maintain a healthy ecosystem. It is one of the symbolic species of conservation worldwide. It is distributed in several states of the Mexican Republic, in Michoacán it is located in the Sierra-Costa.
The specimens with melanism appear totally black, although the spots can be appreciated if you look closely. Specimens with melanism are informally known as “black panthers”, but they are not a distinct species, not even a subspecies. As in the other large felids, albino individuals, called “white panthers”, appear on rare occasions.
The jaguar, a descendant, like other cats, of the saber-toothed tiger and a sacred animal in Mesoamerica more than 500 years ago, is an endangered species in Mexico.
It is important to mention that the objective of the Zoological Park is to promote the care, conservation, and protection of flora and fauna, through environmental education programs for the species that currently exist.
Source: lavozdemichoacan.com.mx