In the Iguazú National Park, on the Brazilian side, a camera trap captured an extraordinary moment: Aisha, a female jaguar, stealthily walking through the vegetation with her cub.
This record, obtained by the team of the Yaguaretés del Iguazú project, is a celebrated event by conservationists, as it confirms Aisha’s active presence in the reserve. Her last documented appearance had occurred in 2022, in a remote and hard-to-access area. Since then, she had only been monitored from a distance, with no clear sightings until now.
A new cub strengthens jaguar conservation
According to specialists, Aisha’s cub appears to be between three and four months old, and everything indicates it is a female. In the Three Borders region, jaguars – locally known as onzas – stay with their mothers for approximately two years, making this observation an encouraging sign for the species’ future.
“The bond between mother and cub is crucial for the survival of the jaguar in this area,” commented Yara Barros, project coordinator. “Seeing Aisha with her cub fills us with hope.”
In the images, Aisha seems to notice the presence of the camera, observing it cautiously. The black tarp that appears in the record is part of the protection system for the devices installed by the park rangers.
The last park census, conducted in 2022, confirmed the presence of 25 individuals of this species. With this new birth and the expectation of the next census – whose results are expected by mid-year –, the conservation efforts become even more relevant.
The Yaguaretés del Iguazú project
Conserving the jaguar in this region is the central focus of the Yaguaretés del Iguazú project, an initiative created to protect these felines in the Iguazú National Park, in Brazil.
It is a volunteer program that seeks to engage society in preservation actions for this endangered species. Through this initiative, participants can get involved in monitoring, environmental education, and data management activities regarding the jaguar population and its ecosystem.
The program not only allows volunteers to participate in fieldwork within and around the park but also incorporates an educational approach. Participants receive training on:
- The operation of the Iguazú National Park
- The ecological importance of the jaguar
- The challenges facing the conservation of endangered species
Additionally, technical training is provided to interns in different work areas, strengthening their skills and promoting their commitment to the environmental cause.
Promoting biodiversity protection
Through this initiative, the aim is not only to preserve one of the most emblematic felines of South America, but also to build a network of people committed to biodiversity conservation.
The sighting of Aisha and her cub shows that, despite the challenges and threats, life continues to thrive in the jungle. With the joint effort of scientists, volunteers, and conservation entities, the preservation of jaguars in the Three Borders region continues to advance.
