Jaguars primarily live in solitude, but will sometimes come together in the wild for common purposes like reproduction. Female jaguars reach reproductive maturity at 2 years old, while males will often be 3 or 4 years old. When a female is ready to mate, she will release strong pheromones that will attract males to her. After mating, the male and female will go their separate ways so that the female can safely raise her cubs in privacy. Males and females can form mating pairs at any time of the year, whenever conditions and health are right. If a female is too stressed, such as in captivity or in habitats under threat, she will often refrain from having cubs. Female jaguars usually stop reproducing once they reach 13 years of age.
Celebrate World Jaguar Day on April 10!