What is the scientific name of the jaguar? The jaguar scientific name is Panthera onca.
The jaguar is a mighty, elusive big cat appreciated for its strength, agility, and beauty. It lives in the Americas, and as such, the jaguar is a much-deserved and important predator in the ecosystem. This guide will provide insight into the scientific name of the jaguar, including its Latin name, genus, biological classification, meaning, types, sounds, lifespan, diet, and habitat.
What Is the Scientific Name of a Jaguar?
The scientific name of the jaguar is Panthera onca, which belongs to the genus Panthera that includes the lion (Panthera leo), tiger (Panthera tigris), and leopard (Panthera pardus).
Meaning of the Jaguar Scientific Name
- Panthera: Latin for “panther,” or a “big cat.”
- Onca: Derived from the Greek word ónx, meaning “hook” or “claw”, thereby referring to the sharp incisors of the jaguar.
Thus, a biological name of the jaguar would mean “clawed panther” or “hooked big cat.”
