Northern Jaguar Project

The mission of the Northern Jaguar Project (NJP) is to preserve and recover the world's northernmost population of the jaguar, its unique natural habitats, and native wildlife under its protection as a flagship, keystone, and umbrella species.

Since 2003, the Tucson-based Northern Jaguar Project has safeguarded jaguars from illegal poaching, habitat loss, and other persistent threats. We established the 56,000-acre Northern Jaguar Reserve, an exceedingly wild landscape in Sonora, Mexico, where a small population of these endangered cats survives.

Our Viviendo con Felinos® program builds relationships with neighboring ranchers to ease tensions, motivate a shift away from killing carnivores, and reward the presence of living wildlife. Ranchers sign agreements not to hunt, poison, or disturb wildlife. We place cameras on their properties, and they receive monetary awards for each photograph of a feline. Cats kept alive lead to repeat photos and increased benefits.

We use motion-triggered cameras to help us "see" wildlife on the reserve and Viviendo con Felinos® ranches, with more than 80 jaguars photographed to date. In 2023, we recorded 16 individuals, including two cubs (2024-25 pictures are still in the review process).

Female jaguars such as Libélula featured in the documentary film Borderlands Jaguar, Valentina, Luisa, and Choki are the key to survival for the jaguars in this region. This is the source population that makes the movement of jaguars into the United States possible, barring any obstructions or walls in their path. As we see more cats wander north, it suggests that conservation efforts, such as the reserve and our work with local ranchers, could be at least part of the reason.

About our team:
We are a passionate, women-led, binational team of 15 people, dedicated and hardworking biologists, field technicians, vaqueros, and educators with more than two decades of experience in this region. Without exception, all of our staff are motivated and inspired by a love for this landscape, wildlife, and people.

How you can help:
The Northern Jaguar Reserve and Viviendo con Felinos® ranches protect more than 280 square miles of uninterrupted habitat and provide a safe haven where female jaguars can raise their cubs free from harm. Every contribution we receive through Arizona Gives Day directly supports jaguar conservation on the ground, and with your donation, we will continue to grow our footprint to help more big cats survive.

Testimonials

"NJP has combined the best of all resources to provide a supportive environment for jaguars and all other species that live in that habitat, including the local communities."

"...a small organization making a grand impact... They truly understand the importance of coexistence-between jaguars and surrounding communities, and across a border imposed."

"NJP has found that sweet spot that many conservation organizations never find. They are protecting land, educating youth, and partnering with local ranchers in a respectful and mutually beneficial way. No easy task and one they have managed to do well!"