Imagine being 10 years old, walking through the Amazon jungle, and suddenly coming face-to-face with a powerful jaguar! That’s exactly what happened to Lloyd Manuyama. What could have been a terrifying memory turned into a lifelong mission for Lloyd, sparking his passion for conservation. Today, however, such close encounters are increasingly rare in his remote Tikuna village in Peru.
Jaguars, the magnificent third-largest felines on Earth and kings of the Americas, are in serious trouble. Their numbers have plummeted by over 20% since 1990, pushed to the brink by relentless deforestation from illegal logging, mining, farming, and even the expanding drug trade. On top of that, they face the cruel threat of poaching, with their pelts, fangs, and claws illegally trafficked, often to Asian markets.
But why should we care about jaguars? These stealthy hunters are far more than just beautiful creatures; they are the Amazon’s apex predators, essential “barometers” of a healthy forest. With the strongest bite force of any big cat, they keep other animal populations in check, ensuring the delicate balance of the ecosystem. If jaguars vanish, the entire forest suffers.
For Indigenous communities like Lloyd’s, jaguars hold deep spiritual significance, often seen as transformations of ancestors. Despite traditional fears, their mindset is changing. Groups like the Tikuna are now actively becoming guardians of these vital cats. Through festivals, workshops, and sharing ancestral wisdom, they are teaching coexistence and fighting the illegal wildlife trade. By safeguarding Indigenous lands, we protect vast areas of jaguar habitat and empower the very people who have lived alongside these majestic creatures for centuries. Saving the jaguar means saving the Amazon itself.
Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/indigenous-guardians-fight-to-save-amazon-s-vanishing-jaguars/3831738
