In Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, scientists were amazed to discover that some jaguars make sounds that are just like meows from house cats. The recordings were made using hidden cameras placed around the park by an international team of researchers, including experts from the UK and Brazil.
The cameras captured female jaguars and their cubs using high-pitched, sharp meows to communicate. Two different mothers were seen calling to their cubs, who meowed back in response to help find their way to their mother.
This discovery is surprising because most big cats, such as lions and tigers, can’t meow. Their throats and vocal cords are built differently, which usually stops them from making those kinds of sounds.
The scientists believe the meows help jaguar mothers and their babies stay in touch, especially when they are hidden in the thick forest. The sounds were short and sweet—just like the meows you might hear from a pet cat.
Dr Marina Duarte from the University of Salford said this might be the first time jaguars have been recorded using this kind of communication. She added that the discovery not only helps us learn more about jaguars but also sounds very cute to human ears!
This new finding gives scientists an exciting look into how wild animals talk to each other in ways we’re only just beginning to understand.
