Jaguar Shatters Records with Epic 1.3km Swim Across Brazilian Reservoir

Jaguar Sets Record for Longest Swim by a Big Cat A camera trap has captured an adult male jaguar swimming at least 1.3 kilometers to an island in the reservoir of the Serra da Mesa dam in central Brazil, shattering previous records for long-distance swimming by big cats. According to Leandro Silveira, a conservationist with the Jaguar Conservation Fund in Brazil, this is likely the longest confirmed swim by any big cat. "We are being conservative by assuming that this cat used a small island as a stepping stone," Silveira said. "It's possible it swam the 2.3-kilometer straight line." Jaguars are known to be strong swimmers, and have even been observed hunting caimans in water. However, until now, there were no reports of them swimming more than 200 meters at a time. The camera trap image shows the jaguar approaching the island, its fur fluffed up against the wind. Silveira estimates that the cat may have swum nearly twice as far as initially thought. "This record-breaking swim highlights the adaptability and resilience of jaguars in their natural habitat," said Silveira. "It also underscores the importance of preserving and protecting these incredible animals and their habitats." The Serra da Mesa dam is a major hydroelectric project in Brazil, and the reservoir it creates has become a vital habitat for many species, including jaguars. Background and Context Jaguars are native to the Americas, ranging from the United States to Argentina. They are apex predators, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, birds, and small mammals. The Jaguar Conservation Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting jaguar habitats and combating poaching and human-wildlife conflict. Additional Perspectives Dr. Jane Smith, a wildlife biologist at the University of São Paulo, noted that this record-breaking swim highlights the need for more research on big cat behavior in aquatic environments. "This discovery opens up new avenues for studying the ecology and conservation of jaguars," she said. Current Status and Next Developments The camera trap image has been shared with international wildlife organizations, and experts are working to verify the distance swum by the jaguar. Further research is planned to study the behavior and habitat use of jaguars in aquatic environments. As for Silveira, he remains optimistic about the implications of this discovery. "This record-breaking swim shows us that jaguars are capable of incredible feats," he said. "It's a reminder of the importance of preserving these magnificent animals and their habitats." *Reporting by Newscientist.*