Jaguar First Recorded in Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), through the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve in the state of Guanajuato (RBSGG), reported the first-ever recorded presence of a jaguar within this Natural Protected Area (ANP). In a press release, Conanp stated that the jaguar's record was obtained through camera trapping, a field work in which 75 camera traps were set up with the support of community monitors. The note pointed out that this record was made in an area with extensive patches of continuous forest with 'little anthropogenic disturbance,' and is located in a corridor for felines that allows connecting populations from the Center with those in eastern Mexico. Conanp indicated that the jaguar's presence added to the list of priority conservation species inhabiting the aforementioned Reserve, such as the green macaw, the axolotl, the golden eagle, the black bear, and the rattlesnake. The institution stated that with the jaguar's presence, the sextet of felines present in Mexico was completed in this ANP: Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). Tigrillo (Leopardus wiedii). Jaguar (Panthera onca). Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi). Lynx (Lynx rufus). Puma (Puma concolor) observed in this ANP. Why are felines important in ecosystems? According to Conanp, these felines (ocelot, tigrillo, jaguar, jaguarundi, lynx, and puma) are fundamental predators for the ecological balance of ecosystems; they regulate herbivore populations, preventing overgrazing, maintaining biodiversity, forest health, and facilitating vital environmental services. It specified that the Reserve is located in the northeast of the state and covers part of the municipalities of Atarjea, Santa Catarina, San Luis de la Paz, Victoria, and Xichú, and its extension of 236,882 hectares represents 8.92 percent of the state's total territory. Its physiographic features, climate, soil, vegetation, and location allow a biodiverse mosaic to develop in the ANP, composed of 2,894 species of fungi, flora, and fauna; of which 12 are in danger of extinction, 39 are threatened, and 51 are subject to special protection. Conanp recalled that the discovery of the feline was thanks to the research project developed between August 2024 and May 2025 by Juan Felipe Charre-Medellín and collaborators, which was financed by the Toyota Group and the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (Secihti) of Mexico.