Ron Althouse, age 11, of Lancaster, Pa. for his question:

IS THE JAGUAR EXTINCT?

Recently the handsome jaguar was added to the list of endangered species. This means that his numbers are dwindling and, if something is not done to save him, he may become extinct in the future.  Not so long ago, he was fairly common in Texas and toward the southern end of our western mountains. Now he is almost gone from this part of his range, shot by ranchers as a cattle thief.

Jaguars still exist in parts of Central America and throughout much of South America. They live in dense tropical jungles, where it is difficult for observers to penetrate. They also distrust people and try to keep out of sight. Hence, it is very hard to estimate the jaguar population, though experts agree that the number is dwindling.