ARIZONA NEWS

Newest Arizona jaguar named by members of Tohono O’odham Nation

May 10, 2024, 2:00 PM

PHOENIX — The most recent wild jaguar spotted entering into Arizona from Mexico was recently named by members of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Students, elders and tribal members voted to name the jaguar O:ṣhad Ñu:kudam (pronounced OH-shahd NOO-KOO-dum), which means “Jaguar Protector” in the O’odham language.

“As a Tohono O’odham student, I am honored to vote alongside my community for an O’odham name for the newest wild jaguar here in our traditional lands,” Cedric Lewis, a 12th grade student at Tohono O’odham High School, said in a press release.

“It reminds me of the important role jaguars play in our ecosystem and their cultural significance for the Tohono O’odham Nation. Using our language to describe such a special animal shows respect for the traditional knowledge and connection the Tohono O’odham have with the land and animals.”

The jaguar’s journey into southern Arizona

O:ṣhad embarked on his journey to Arizona from northern Mexico in early 2023, leaving behind his mother.

Remote cameras have captured images of the jaguar on at least twelve occasions from early 2023 through February 2024. The cameras were deployed by researchers, conservationists, hunters, hobbyists and the U.S. Border Patrol.

O:ṣhad is the fourth jaguar since 2015 to live in and around O’odham lands north of Mexico. The other jaguars are El Jefe, Yo’oko Nahsuareo and Sombra. Unfortunately, Yo’oko was photographed dead in Mexico in 2018.

Sky Island Mountains on and around the native territory have always been home to wild jaguars.

“As O’odham, we view jaguars as protectors of our people and the environment. O:ṣhad Ñu:kudam’s presence serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts,” Chairman Austin Nunez of the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation said in the release.

“We are committed to working to ensure a safe and thriving future for O:ṣhad, and one day hope to see the return of a breeding population of jaguars to this region.”

Here’s how the name ‘O:ṣhad Ñu:kudam’ was picked

Students from the Tohono O’odham High School, as well as other tribal schools and community members initially suggested the names.

The suggestions were then translated into O’odham with help from relatives and through follow-up meetings with tribal elders.

After the suggestions were made, tribal elders narrowed down the list of names to 10. The names were then verified by Tohono O’odham linguists, with support from tribal council members, before finalization.

“Naming O:ṣhad continues the Tohono O’odham’s deep history of regional land stewardship for which we’re deeply grateful,” Russ McSpadden, Southwest conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in the release.

“These mighty cats once roamed all the way northward to the Grand Canyon. They’re vital to the web of life in the region and they keep coming back because they belong here. O:ṣhad’s story should inspire us to restore a thriving population of jaguars across their native habitat.”

Of the 1,000 people who participated in voting, over 99% of respondents identified themselves as Tohono O’odham or Native American.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

Integrated Biometrics Chandler Arizona 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Integrated Biometrics expanding its Chandler research facility

PHOENIX — Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits. Integrated Biometrics, a South Carolina-based company, has a facility in Chandler near Kyrene Road and Chandler Boulevard. The company recently expanded its Chandler facility by around 8,000 square feet, according to […]

38 minutes ago

Arizona State Parks and Trails will raise fees....

Lance Hartzler

Arizona State Parks and Trails fees to increase at more than 30 locations

PHOENIX — Visitors to Arizona parks and trails are going to be paying a little more starting on Feb. 25. Arizona State Parks and Trails, which does not rely on taxpayer dollars to operate parks, announced Thursday that the agency will increase fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for its 33 locations to help […]

54 minutes ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

12 hours ago

Economists foresee labor shortages in construction and agriculture as a result of President Donald ...

Matthew DeWees and Katrina Michalak/Cronkite News

Donald Trump’s mass deportations could mean higher costs and labor shortages in Arizona

Deportations ordered by President Trump could hit Arizona’s agriculture and construction sectors hard, pushing up prices for shoppers.

16 hours ago

Immigration Arizona criminal charges 565 people USAO...

Payne Moses

More than 500 charged with immigration-related crime in Arizona over recent 2-week period

From Jan. 21-Feb. 3, a total of 565 people were charged with illegal immigration activity by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.

19 hours ago

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

23 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

Newest Arizona jaguar named by members of Tohono O’odham Nation