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	Picture This Capturing wildlife, on film that is, can influence the extent to which a species is protected. It was the quick shutter release reflexes of Warner Glenn, a rancher who in 1996 snapped the first photos ever taken of a wild jaguar in the mountains of Arizona, that sparked a closer examination of the status of jaguars in the vicinity. Subsequent photos taken by "camera-traps", hidden automatic cameras used to photograph wildlife, led to the discovery of the Aros-Yaqui population of jaguars in Sonora, Mexico and the need to protect them. Camera-trapping is a technique that's fast becoming indispensable to conservationists monitoring the presence and activities of wildlife. Yet it tends to be those unexpected shots taken by nature-loving citizens that send shockwaves through the scientific world. Keep your camera or camcorder handy, or for those of you who are more technologically advanced - your cell phone, the next time you're out walking or even just gazing into your backyard. You never know when the photo you take will save a species or herald the rediscovery of one thought long gone - look at the ivory-billed woodpecker!...and the jaguar.
	Buy a Ranch Not interested in owning property? Don't worry; we're not really going to give it to you. One good deed deserves another and you'll get yours (your deed, that is!) when you "buy" land to save jaguar habitat. "Acres for Jaguars" is a Philadelphia Zoo initiative created to raise awareness of the habitat loss issues facing jaguars. It also provides an opportunity for you to play a role in securing the future of the last breeding jaguar population in Sonora, Mexico. To accomplish this, 40,000 acres must be purchased to expand Los Pavos Ranch, a 10,000 acre sanctuary under the protection of Philadelphia Zoo partner Naturalia, A.C. You can make an online contribution towards the purchase of these critical acres or look for "Acres for Jaguars" in Bank of America Big Cat Falls, when you visit the Zoo this summer. For what it's worth, you'll receive your very own "deed" when you purchase your parcel here at the Zoo.
	Be a Jaguar Guardian Providing safe passage for jaguars back into the U.S. is as easy as resolving human-wildlife conflict. Hmm... Beyond the boundaries of sanctuaries, jaguars must navigate dangerous territory in their quest for food, water and mates. Second only to habitat loss, hunting by ranchers protecting their livestock is the leading cause of jaguar mortality in Mexico. Regrettably those few animals that do make it as far as the U.S.-Mexico border are not out of the woods; they must still contend with the development of border infrastructure such as roadways and brightly lit fence lines. Though not designed to be wildlife deterrents...these barriers, if erected, will be just that... diverting weary jaguars back to the land from whence they came. How can you help? Garnering public support for wildlife conservation efforts is one of the most valuable contributions you can make. Just as Mexican "Jaguar Guardians" work to raise local awareness of jaguar conservation needs, you can work to raise awareness of the need to protect the ecology of our international borders while securing the safety of two countries.
	Protect Private Land Throughout the United States ranchers are finding ways to peacefully coexist with wildlife that shares their land. The Malpai Borderlands Group, a nonprofit formed by Arizona and New Mexico ranchers in 1993, has achieved remarkable success in rallying ranchers around the concept of preserving habitat while still maintaining profitable operations. 800,000 acres of fragile desert landscape has been protected thanks to the sustainable land use practices adhered to by members of the Malpai Group - which means the chances of jaguars finding suitable habitat, if crossing into the United States in this region, are increased. One of the Group's management techniques, known as "grass-banking", involves utilizing nearby ranch lands protected by conservation easements as alternative places to graze cattle when their own lands need to rest. The more traditional version of a conservation easement, which simply protects your property from ever being developed, may be something for you to consider if you own land and are looking for ways to preserve habitat. Private land protection goes a long way in saving species.

Buy "Predator-friendly" Have you ever met a jaguar that you didn't like? How about a puma? Neither have we. More and more, farmers and cattle ranchers are working to protect those predator species that so often get a bad rap in the "preying on livestock" department. Farms that don't seek to exterminate predators as pests but use less harmful techniques, such guard dog programs and electric fencing, to deter potential attacks on livestock, are known as "predator-friendly" and should be applauded for their efforts. Following a good round of applause, they'd probably also appreciate your business. Predator-friendly farm products can often be found at a Farmers' Market near you. Pennsylvania farm predators include, but are not limited to, coyotes, fox, bear, bobcat and birds of prey. Working with Mexican ranchers to implement predator-friendly practices will be a critical step in providing long-term protection for jaguars, and pumas, passing through their properties.

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