Australian Jaguar

Introduction

The Australian Jaguar (Panthera Rex Saltu) is a large Felidae species (large cats group) and a distant relative to the jaguar (Panthera Onca). The Australian Jaguar is native to dense forests, as well as sometimes deserts, but typically areas in Australia. The Australian Jaguars current territory stems from Australia, and in more recent years, North America and South America. The Australian Jaguar is an adaptation of the typical jaguar, as the species was brought to Australia to allow the species to regrow as the normal jaguar species numbers dwindled due to loss in food, and poaching for their coat and fangs. Since the twenty-first century, the jaguar has been identified as “critically endangered” on the IUCN red list.

The Australian Jaguar is known as a Phantom Cat, otherwise known as the Alien Cat, which is typically a jaguar, cougar, or leopard that is living in areas outside their original indigenous range. They are currently the largest felid marsupial native to Australia. The Australian Jaguar’s size is still very similar to the jaguar, although a notable feature is that the coat of the Australian Jaguar‘s coat is a more solid, patternless, beige color. This adaptation of their coat is to better camouflage itself into the dust-ridden landscape of Australia, as well as to be as unappealing to potential poachers. Like the usual jaguar, the Australian Jaguar helps regulate the ecosystem by keeping populations of insects, animals, plants, etc, at a stable rate of reproduction.

Etymology

The origin of the name “Australian Jaguar” stems from its new adapted location. The Latin name, Panthera Rex Saltu, translates in Latin to “King of the Jungle.” The name was created after its jaguar-relatives reputation among its ecosystem. This is due to the jaguar having no predators and being top of the food chain.

Habitat and Population

The majority of the Australian Jaguars population still reside in Australia, but in more recent years, the Australian Jaguar has slowly been reintroduced into the former jaguars territory In order to maintain the ecosystem while the normal jaguars population stabilizes. The current population of Australian Jaguars is estimated at 50,000, which has flourished since the early twenty-second century.

Researchers have found that the Australian Jaguar travels alone similarly to the normal jaguar, as well as reproduce at similar times. The only distinction between the two is that the Australian Jaguar typically has more cubs at a time.

Another similarity to the normal jaguar is that the Australian Jaguar is at the top of its food chain. The Australian Jaguar is currently the largest felid creature in Australia and has been identified as a “Phantom Cat.” Over time, researchers have argued whether or not this is true, as it is argued that the Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is still at the top.

The Australian Jaguar is typically born with 4-6 cubs annually, compared to the jaguars 3-4. The cubs will stick with their respective parents until the age of 1. During this period, the cubs learn to hunt and fight. After this period the cubs will go their separate ways.

History

As previously stated, the Australian Jaguar is a direct relative to the jaguar and apart of the Felidae family (Panthera Big Cat Family) and the Panthera genus. The Panthera genus is a grouping of cats that can roar. (I.e Lions, Tigers, Leopards, jaguars) The Australian Jaguar species started out as a normal jaguar until, in 2090, researches brought an estimated 150 jaguars to Australia in light of the recent announcement at the time of jaguars being “critically endangered.” Researchers then experimented with Australian Jaguars to observe their reaction to the new area, for upwards of 4 years in an enclosure sources claim, before being released into the wild.

In recent years though, sightings of the Australian Jaguar have risen to the point where the Australian government has been pressured into taking action, after recent news headlines of an Australian Jaguar attacking a farm in Kalgoorlie. Others claim the Australian Jaguars have been spotted near neighborhoods raising questions whether or not these animals need to be contained or not. These claims have not been proven as of now.

Evolution

The Australian Jaguar has been found to act very similarly to its normal jaguar counterpart, and in fact look similar to the original jaguar with the only distinction being that the Australian Jaguar has a less interesting coat. Original researchers who brought the jaguar to Australia in early 2095, have been criticized that it is a normal jaguar wearing a coat, these claims have not been confirmed. The “less interesting coat” was an adaptation the original jaguar took on while transitioning to Australia to both better camouflage itself into the Australian outback but as well as to deter poachers from killing them, and skinning them to make coats and other high-end products.

The Australian Jaguar has also been found to have a larger range of food it can eat, with researchers deeming it an Omnivore compared to its carnivores jaguar relative. The diet is again similar to the original jaguar, except with the inclusion of some bug species as well as more plants.

Summary

The Australian Jaguar is a species apart of the Panthera genus and relative of the jaguar. The jaguar was first brought to Australia in 2090, in a move to allow the jaguar population to reflourish. The way to tell an Australian Jaguar to a normal jaguar is its coat. A typical jaguar has a spotted coat, while an Australian Jaguars coat is a solid, unappealing color. This is to better camouflage in the Australian outback and to be less appealing to potential poachers. The Australian Jaguar has a slightly different diet and life cycle. The Australian Jaguar is an omnivore instead of a carnivore. They also typically have more cubs annually.

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