The jaguar (Panthera onca) is one of the most iconic and essential predators in Guatemala, particularly in the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR), home to one of the most significant populations of this species in Mesoamerica. This majestic feline plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, regulating populations of other species and contributing to the overall health of ecosystems. Despite its importance, jaguars in Guatemala face serious threats. Habitat loss, driven by agricultural expansion, deforestation, and the growth of human settlements, is one of the biggest challenges. Additionally, illegal hunting, whether due to conflicts with livestock owners or the trafficking of jaguar parts, continues to endanger this species across the country. In response to these threats, WCS has implemented monitoring programs to study jaguar populations and their movement patterns, using advanced technologies such as camera traps. These efforts have generated valuable data, allowing conservation strategies to be adapted more effectively, providing stronger protection for these predators.

A key component in jaguar conservation within the MBR is the active involvement of local communities. Initiatives like "Jaguar-Friendly Farms" promote livestock practices that minimize conflicts between jaguars and humans, reducing the need to hunt these predators. Additionally, awareness and environmental education campaigns have been carried out in communities near jaguar habitats, fostering more harmonious coexistence and highlighting the importance of conserving this species. Guatemala has also made significant strides in combating wildlife trafficking by implementing legal measures and strengthening collaboration between national and international institutions. These actions are essential for dismantling trafficking networks and ensuring that jaguars, along with other protected species, can live in their natural habitats without the threat of being captured or killed.

Protecting the jaguar is not only vital for preserving biodiversity but also for maintaining the ecological balance in one of Mesoamerica’s most important ecosystems.