Costa Rica is home to six distinct varieties of wild cats including the jaguar, the puma (Puma concolor), the manigordo (Leopardus pardalis), the caucel (Leopardus wiedii), the jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) and the tigrillo (Leopardus tigrinus).

Jaguar species are solitary and predominantly nocturnal creatures. They are opportunistic predators that pursue a variety of food, including deer, turtles, caimans, and bigger animals such as tapirs. They are noted for their ferocious bite, which can break their prey's heads and shells.

These gorgeous large animals have a unique place in the mythology and culture of many indigenous peoples in the Americas. They are frequently identified as emblems of power and mysticism. Jaguars are associated with gods in various civilizations and play an important part in mythology and ceremonies.

Jaguars play an important role as apex predators in their ecosystems, helping to keep local animal populations in balance. They are also essential flagship species for conservation efforts since maintaining their habitats benefits a variety of other species.

According to authorities, Costa Rica saw an unprecedented demise of forest areas more than two decades ago, as they were turned into land for agriculture, livestock, timber plantations, and human settlements. This increase in habitat fragmentation may have influenced jaguar numbers, resulting in the deaths of several dozen animals.

Furthermore, hunting of this species' natural prey, poaching of the jaguar as a trophy, and exploitation of its skin, claws, and fangs have all contributed to the jaguar's status as endangered in Costa Rica, where it is protected by Law Number 7317, Conservation of Wildlife of Costa Rica, passed in 1992.

Another fantastic wild cat species in Costa Rica is the jaguarundi. Experts have found specimens of this species throughout the national parks.

The Wild Costa Rica page is a space for readers to discover more about the fascinating species that make the "Pura Vida" land one of the world's countries with the richest natural diversity.