Jaguars, the largest big cats in the Americas, are seen as a key species for conservation in Latin America. They have cultural importance for Indigenous Peoples and local communities and are used as an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems. The presence of jaguars is also linked to achieving biodiversity and climate goals in the region, as recognized by the Lima Declaration from the XXIV Meeting of Environment Ministers of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Global Wildlife Program (GWP) has been involved in helping countries where jaguars live through strategic planning, technical assistance, and collaborative efforts.
A recent meeting about jaguar conservation took place in Mexico City from September 22 to 24, 2025. This was the second meeting of countries where jaguars are found. The event was organized by the CITES and CMS Secretariats and co-chaired by Mexico and Brazil.