Comparing Cats: A Discussion of Similarities & Differences

[Acinonyx sp.]

Cannibalism Among Jaguars (Panthera onca)






ABSTRACT—This is the first report of cannibalism in a free-ranging population of jaguars (Panthera

onca). An encounter among unfamiliar jaguars may have provoked social stress, a behavior reported in
other free-ranging carnivores.



Important points:
1. Cannibalism occurs but is rare in jaguars
2. Infanticide occurs in jaguars more commonly than cannibalism
3. (juiciest part) Among adult felids, factors that lead to cannibal-
ism may include defense of cubs (Logan and

Sweanor, 2001), defense of prey (Galentine and

Swift, 2007), and apparent competition (Hunter
and Skinner, 1995). Reply