An extremely rare and well prepared taxidermy study of a jaguar by the renowned taxidermists Edward Gerrard and Sons, London, circa 1900

The jaguar (scientific name: Panthera onca) is a large felid species and the only extant member of the genus Panthera native to the Americas. It is the largest native cat species of the New World and the third largest in the world. This spotted cat closely resembles the leopard, but is usually larger and sturdier. It ranges across a variety of forested and open terrains, but its preferred habitat is tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest, swamps and wooded regions. The jaguar enjoys swimming and is largely a solitary, opportunistic, stalk-and-ambush predator at the top of the food chain. As a keystone species it plays an important role in stabilizing ecosystems and regulating prey populations.

Edward Gerrard & sons, in existence c.1850 – 1967, was founded by Edward Gerrard (1810 – 1910) while employed as an attendant at the British Museum's zoological department, compiling ‘The Catalogue of the Bones of Mammalia in the British Museum’ (1862). Gerrard maintained his position with the British Museum until 1896. He became close friends with Charles Darmin for whom he mounted numerous specimens. His Camden workshops became a centre for trading specimens. The British Museum has 405 objects collected by, or purchased from, Edward Gerrard & sons of which 213 are from Oceania (most from Melanesia), 160 from Asia and 30 from Africa.

Provenance: Malmesbury House Collection

Condition: some wear to the ears, some fading to the back of the specimen due to sun exposure

Dimensions: 130cm wide, 60cm high, 40cm deep