Jaguar
Print
Email
Save to Favorites
Known as otorongo in Peru, derived from the Quechua word uturunku, the jaguar is the biggest spotted cat in the Americas and probably the hardest animal to spot in the rainforest. They are solitary and keen hunters, feeding chiefly on capybaras, deer and tapirs—their favorite—but also fish, caimans, and smaller mammals.
Jaguars are mostly spotted at night. But during the months of May and June, 30 percent of Manu visitors report seeing these felines stretching out on a river log under the morning sun. Most jaguars will flee quickly from human presence once spotted.
Considered a deity in pre-Hispanic cultures such as Chavín or Cupisnique, the jaguar has been overhunted by centuries for its fur and is listed as endangered.
© Ross Wehner and Renée del Gaudio from Moon Peru, 3rd Edition
Buy Moon Travel Guides
Search
Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.