Jaguar (animal)

This article is about the species. You may be looking for the Animi Avatar.

Edward Kenway killing a white jaguar

Jaguars are large, predatory cats found in the forested areas of North and South America. When hunting, they typically approach slowly and carefully, before pouncing upon their prey. Once their quarry is immobilized, a jaguar bites directly into their skull to pierce the brainstem or sever the spinal column, providing the feline with an effective killing method.

Within the species, color morphs regularly occur. Most commonly, this results in melanistic jaguars, which are informally referred to as black panthers. Due to genetic mutation or albinism, white jaguars also appear, though they are rarer and tend to be more aggressive.

During the early 18th century, jaguars were hunted by various people, among which was the pirate Edward Kenway. After killing and skinning them, Edward could sell their pelts for a profit or use them to craft specific outfits. Jaguars are also found in the territory that will become the United States, but become a extinct species in 20th century.

Given their historical distribution, jaguars have featured prominently in the mythology of numerous indigenous American cultures, including those of the Mayans and Aztecs.

Trivia

• The Redingote Up! achievement could be earned by crafting the hunter outfit, which required the pelt of a white jaguar. When worn, said outfit would reduce the detection range of all animals in the vicinity.
• The feline pelt outfit could be crafted after acquiring the pelt of a regular jaguar, though the outfit sported no advantages, being purely aesthetic.
• Jaguars could be found in Príncipe, despite the species being native to the American continent. 

Reference

• Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag