American jaguar : big cats, biogeography, and human borders
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 116-124) and index.

In the borderlands between the United States and Mexico, America's largest cat--the jaguar--is fighting to regain its kingdom. Added to the endangered species list in 1997, the jaguar has declined in population mainly due to habitat fragmentation created by roads, farms, mines, and most controversially, the border wall. Such human-made barriers prevent free movement of many wild animals for predation and mating, thereby threatening their reproduction, DNA transfer, and overall survival. Author and wildlife biologist Elizabeth Webb examines the jaguar's predicament and highlights the work of field scientists who are searching for solutions. "Conservation Connection" features throughout the book underscore the importance of protecting this keystone species of the Americas"--,Provided by publisher.

"The jaguar is a survivor. It has endured historical mass extinctions and outlasted other ancient cats that couldn't adapt. It has been worshipped gloriously in Mesoamerican culture, and it has been hunted to near-extinction in the modern Americas. Still, for the jaguars of the Borderlands, nothing could prepare it for the threats of the twenty-first century-- habitat fragmentation as a result of a border wall between the United States and Mexico. The mighty jaguar was about to face it's toughest foe yet"--,Page [4] of cover.

1170L,Lexile

Interest level: Grade 8-Grade 12.,Lerner Publishing Group.

Reading level: Grade 8.,Lerner Publishing Group.

A Junior Library Guild selection.