<P> The jaguar is the largest cat species in the Americas and the third - largest after the tiger and the lion . This spotted cat closely resembles the leopard , but is usually larger and sturdier . It ranges across a variety of forested and open terrains , but its preferred habitat is tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest , swamps and wooded regions . The jaguar enjoys swimming and is largely a solitary , opportunistic , stalk - and - ambush predator at the top of the food chain . As a keystone species it plays an important role in stabilizing ecosystems and regulating prey populations . </P>
<P> The jaguar is the largest cat species in the Americas and the third - largest after the tiger and the lion . This spotted cat closely resembles the leopard , but is usually larger and sturdier . It ranges across a variety of forested and open terrains , but its preferred habitat is tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest , swamps and wooded regions . The jaguar enjoys swimming and is largely a solitary , opportunistic , stalk - and - ambush predator at the top of the food chain . As a keystone species it plays an important role in stabilizing ecosystems and regulating prey populations . </P>
what is the largest cat in the americas
what is the largest cat in the americas
The jaguar
The jaguar