A rare subspecies of jaguar known as the "cloud jaguar" has been photographed for the first time in a decade, according to recent camera trap footage from Honduras.

The elusive big cat was captured on film on February 6 while prowling through the Sierra del Merendón mountain range in Honduras. The subspecies is distinguished by its high-altitude habitat and has proven extremely difficult to document due to its remote living areas and low population numbers.

Cloud jaguars are adapted to mountainous environments and represent one of the most rarely observed jaguar populations in Central America. Their elusive nature has made scientific study challenging, with sightings so infrequent that some researchers have questioned population estimates.

The Sierra del Merendón range, where this latest sighting occurred, spans parts of Honduras and Guatemala and provides critical habitat for various endangered species. The mountain range's cloud forests create unique ecological conditions that support specialized wildlife populations.

Camera trap technology has become an essential tool for wildlife researchers studying elusive species like the cloud jaguar. These motion-activated devices allow scientists to monitor animal populations without human presence, which can disturb natural behaviors.