AFP – A captive-born jaguar released into Argentina’s Ibera National Park last year has given birth to two cubs – the first to be born wild in the protected wetland in 70 years, the Rewilding Argentina conservation body said recently.
A hidden camera confirmed keepers’ suspicions of the happy event, showing the mother jaguar caring for her offspring, said Magali Longo, coordinator of the foundation’s Jaguar Reintroduction Centre (CRY).
“The mating of free jaguars and the birth of a new generation in freedom is excellent news for the project that seeks to halt the extinction of this species,” Rewilding Argentina said in a statement.
It also raised hopes of “regenerating a healthy population of jaguars” in the region that was once their natural home.
“If both cubs survive – something we should know in the coming weeks – the jaguar population of Ibera will rise to 10,” said Sebastian Di Martino, the foundation’s conservation director.
