The jaguar has a gigantic range. It extends from New Mexico to Argentina. It can be identified by its coppery yellow coat. It is dotted with rosettes punctuated with black dots, unlike the panther where the rosettes are empty. However, 6% of the population has an entirely black coat. This colour is the result of a genetic mutation that causes an abnormally high production of melanin, the pigment responsible for cell colouring. A strict carnivore, it is the super predator of the Americas. Its powerful jaws can pierce the skulls of prey such as tapirs, caimans, anacondas and tortoises.