18×24 pastel on pastelboard. Original available. As of 05-05-12, 1171 views and 21 favorited.

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Portrait of a South American Jaguar, the only New World Big Cat, looking so sweet and innocent.. but don’t let that fool you.. she is still a predator.

Scientific Name: Panthera onca
Size: Head and body 3.7-6.1 feet (112-185cm); tail length 1.5-2.5 feet (45-75cm)
Weight: 126-249 pounds (57-113kg)
Distribution: From central Mexico through Central America to Northern Argentina
Habitat: Tropical forest, savanna, scrub, swamps – normally where water is available
Diet: Peccaries, capybaras, tapirs, monkeys, armadillos, river turtles, otters, caimans, and domestic livestock
Reproduction: After a gestation period of 13-15 weeks, female gives birth to 2-4 cubs
Longevity: Up to 12 years (20 in captivity)
Population: Estimated at greater than 10,000
Status: Near Threatened (info from The Big Cats )

• Complete 10-07-2003 in 13.09 hours spread over 7 days