Jaguars have jaws and a large head especially equipped for piecing the skull of their prey with their canines.  They are the only big cats which practice this habit.  Unlike other large cats, who attack at the neck, jaguars often kill their prey with a single bite to the back of the head.  They are called "occipital crunchers." 

They are primarily nocturnal with activity levels high at dawn and dusk.  Jaguars are exceptional swimmers to accommodate their living style.  Because they may live in rain forests and flooded swamp areas this adaptation comes in handy when trying to cool off or catch food. 

 

Adaptations

They were made for this.

They also have unique spotting called rosettes which have one or more spots in the center. This is a great camouflage for the jaguar.

(Field Guide to the Mammals of Central America and Southeast Mexico)

Home
Classification
Habitat
Adaptations
Nutrition
History and Reproduction
Interactions with Other Species
Interesting Facts

Contact Information
References