How El Jefe, Arizona’s Lone Jaguar in 2016, Became a Conservation Icon

In 2011, a solitary male jaguar known as “El Jefe”, once called “America’s last jaguar,” wandered north of the border into Arizona. By 2016, he had become the centerpiece of a campaign to protect habitat in the Santa Rita Mountains, captivating a nation and transforming him into a symbol of wildlife conservation.

El Jefe’s remarkable journey from northern Mexico to the southwestern United States highlighted the potential for jaguar range expansion and offered a glimmer of hope for the recovery of this endangered species. His presence galvanized local communities and conservation groups, fueling a passionate effort to safeguard the precious biodiversity of the region.

Smithsonian Magazine’s feature delves into the fascinating narrative of how El Jefe transitioned from a mere sighting to a potent icon of conservation, essentially becoming a ‘rock star’ for the cause.

This article was generated by Gemini AI as part of the automated news generation system.