ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - C - THE JAGUAR (Panthera onca)

[Balam]

Librao Vs Fantasma

This is a comparative image between two exceptional jaguar specimens from the two largest populations, in the Llanos and Pantanal. Fantasma (Ghost), on the right, is thought of as being one of the largest jaguars ever registered in the Pantanal, known for his massive skull and jaws. Likewise, Librao was the ruler of the Hato La Aurora for several years.
The two images show the males' side profile and has been scaled based on their paw size and limb width. I knew Librao was large, but putting him in perspective next to Fantasma really highlights his size. In my opinion, both males were similar in size but noticeable difference can be appreciated in the size and shape of their skulls and the girth of their mid section.
We won't know for sure how large these Llanos jaguars really get from the Colombian side until studies and several captures are performed, but IMO, based on the photographic evidence it's pretty clear that the largest males in the Llanos can grow as big as the largest males from the Pantanal, which is an opinion held by Rafael Hoogesteijn.

*This image is copyright of its original author

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