The Onças do Iguaçu Project reported 31 jaguars in its latest three-month survey of Brazil’s Iguazu National Park, including 28 adults and three cubs. The animals were recorded at 46 of the park’s 78 monitoring sites.
The 2026 census used camera-monitoring points across the park. Heavy rain prevented access to nine sites, while rising water levels required cameras to be moved at 23 others. Despite these disruptions, the survey logged more than 150,000 records and identified 26 mammal species.
The census recorded six feline species, along with 19 other small, medium and large mammals, including ocelots, capybaras and both giant and lesser anteaters. Among the jaguars, the female Cacira had the most appearances, with 120 records, while the male Kaluanã was recorded 30 times.
The project also identified two jaguars new to the area: Mbyja, whose name means “star” in Guarani, and a male named Tembi. Another notable event was the crossing of the Iguaçu River by Machita, a young jaguar that reached the Brazilian side for the first time.
From July to September, the project handled eight cases involving predation near the park, after residents encountered animals in urban areas and contacted authorities. The reports came from six municipalities: Céu Azul, São Miguel do Iguaçu, Serranópolis do Iguaçu, Lindoneste, Matelândia and Medianeira. They involved five jaguars, one puma and two predators that were not identified.
Sources: CNN Brasil.