TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — Excitement continues to build as “Cinco” the jaguar was captured not once, but twice on camera in Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands this summer.
According to The University of Arizona Wild Cat Research and Conservation Center, Cinco was spotted once in June and another time in July.
Two new sightings of Arizona’s resident Jaguar, known as ‘Cinco’ have been recorded in the Sky Islands Region near the Mexican border
“In these latest images, Cinco is seen quietly moving through tall summer grasses, a reminder of just how elusive these remarkable cats are and how easily they can move through the landscape unnoticed,” officials said.
The center has been tracking Cinco across multiple biotic communities as part of a long-term study examining how the jaguar uses different habitats. The new detections help researches understand the animal’s movement patterns and the importance of connected wild spaces for far-roaming species.
The recent sightings indicate Cinco is finding what he needs to survive across the region, including prey animals, water sources and protective cover, officials said.
The monitoring effort has been running continuously for more than 15 years.
“A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated community scientists, agency partners, researchers, and supporters. Your commitment makes this work possible and demonstrates the power of long-term collaboration in advancing wildlife conservation,” officials said. “But without your support, the cameras go dark.”
The center nicknamed Cinco in 2025 after he was the fifth jaguar documented through the team’s monitoring efforts in the region, officials said. Since 1996, nine jaguars have been spotted in Southwest Arizona.
Those interested in helping researchers continue to document jaguars in Southern Arizona can make monetary donations online.
