The Last Known US Jaguar Has Been Euthanized
The last known living jaguar in the US has been euthanized. Jaguars were thought to be extinct in the US until there were confirmed sightings of two male jaguars (Macho A and Macho B) in Arizona in 1996.
Macho A was last seen in 2004, and it is suspected he has crossed the border into Mexico or is deceased.
Macho B was captured in 2008 and fitted with a tracking collar. Biologists noticed that Macho B's movements were slowing, and he had lost weight. He was recaptured and taken to the Phoenix Zoo. According to the
LA Times:
Shortly thereafter, Macho B was euthanized when tests revealed severe kidney failure from which he could not recover. Fish and Wildlife spokesman Jeff Humphrey said kidney failure was common in older cats, but questions remained about whether stress from his capture had caused or exacerbated Macho B's condition. A necropsy was performed, and today Phoenix Zoo Executive Vice President Dr. Dean Rice is saying the capture probably played a key role in the jaguar's death.
While Macho B probably had existing kidney problems, stress and the increased pressure on his body to process the tranquilizer drugs used during his capture probably hastened his death, according to Rice.
It is so sad that human interference has hastened the death of this 15-16-year-old jaguar, but the situation may become even more bleak. The only chance the US jaguar population has for survival is from the Mexican cats; however, the 700-mile border fence being built to stop illegal Mexican immigrants will also prohibit
jaguars from crossing the border.
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Posted by Jennifer Lance at March 12, 2009 1:18 AM
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