Jaguars are considered an apex predator with no natural predators in the wild. Jaguars are also deemed a keystone species, an animal species that is directly related to the health of the ecosystem.
Although the jaguar has no natural predators in nature, the young cubs are born blind and defenseless and are more vulnerable to attack in situations of scarce food for predatory animals.
The mother jaguar fiercely protects her young from attacks, and exiles the male jaguar to protect the cubs from infanticide.
Human threats from hunters that kill jaguars for their unique fur and ranchers that kill them to protect their livestock are existing issues for the depleting jaguar population.