A recent study focused on the jaguar's historical distribution in Santa Catarina, Brazil, revealed that this significant predator once had a notable presence in the Atlantic Forest region. Two researchers examined 16 historical photograph records of the species in the state, marking a majority presence in the West, North, and Itajaí Valley regions. This analysis emphasizes how widespread the jaguar once was, although accurately estimating the current area of occupancy remains a challenge.

The study highlights that current estimates from the Santa Catarina Environment Institute (IMA) indicate there are fewer than 50 adult jaguars living freely in the state today. The last confirmed sighting of the species occurred over four years ago, pointing to a concerning decline in their population. This raises questions about the future of the jaguar in this region and underlines the importance of continued research and potential conservation efforts.

Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, the findings emphasize the integral role that jaguars play in their ecosystem and the urgent need for effective conservation strategies to protect them and their habitat. The study not only contributes to understanding the species’ historical distribution but also catalyzes discussions on preserving biodiversity in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.