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With the popularity of specialised Jaguar watching tours to South America (including the Brazilian Pantanal, which has the densest population of the big cat), the opportunities for ordinary wildlife lovers to experience a sighting have become far more accessible. But such is the fascination for the enigmatic animal, that even those who may never get the chance to experience Jaguar watching in the wild recognise the importance of conserving the animals' habitat to ensure its continued preservation. Small Steps in Conservation Along with high profile conservation programmes like the Panthera Jaguar Corridor Initiative, all around the world there are smaller, but no less vital, organisations, communities and individuals dedicated to spreading awareness of the big cat's habitat preservation. In Tucson, Arizona, a small community is finding their voice through an ambitious, inclusive social art project. A Bio-Diversity Social Art Project Sewing Spots Together is a community arts initiative set up by freelance artist Stephanie Bowman, in conjunction with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, and the Tucson office of the Defenders of Wildlife, in Arizona. The project celebrates the Jaguar and aims to promote the importance of 'connecting wild spaces' ('spots') in order to preserve the incredible biodiversity contained within the regions of its natural range, which stretches from the Sonoran Desert down to the Amazon Rainforest. Using recycled materials and mixed media, Stephanie has created the head and the tail of a Jaguar and thrown open an invitation to anyone living within the big cat's range to contribute a mid-body panel. Each mid-body panel is designed to be around eight feet long, with infinite possibilities for the finished length of the piece. Community and Creativity The aim of the project is to create a fun and educational way of using public art to encourage discussion and expression around the diversity of life that exists within the Jaguar's natural range. While it's aiming for some continuity for aesthetic purposes, the ethos of the project is focused on fun, individuality and a sense of community. The guidelines stipulate the use of recycled or reclaimed materials - starting with an old sheet as the basis of each panel. Aside from some simple measurements in order for the 'body' to come together in a coherent formation, the founding artist is calling for participants to 'let their imaginations soar'. Exploring the Diversity of the Habitat Aside from depicting the torso and 'rosettes' of the big cat, the concept is for each panel to depict the diverse plants, wildlife, people and geography that coexist within the participating artists' local landscape. Once complete, the mammoth piece will become a travelling artwork, touring Arizona and beyond to be exhibited in museums, public spaces, and on a number of events. Organisers are also inviting participants to use the project to raise awareness for other shared conservation initiatives. Whether it's a high-profile initiative like the Panthera Jaguar Wildlife Corridor or a small community arts project like Sewing Spots Together, no matter what size the contribution, anything that promotes the preservation of important habitat will contribute towards ensuring this beautiful big cat's long-term survival. Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for Jaguar watching tours, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to Jaguar watching tours in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
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