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This is the documentary from the BBC World Service.

The impenetrable forest in northern Argentina is also known as the forest of spikes,

because most plants and trees here are covered in them. I'm standing right next to a

tree that has spines like rhino horns protruding from its trunk. Amongst the spikes and spines,

jaguars used to roam. But thanks to hunting and deforestation, the population was practically

extinct. Until last month, a very exciting creature was spotted

on the banks of the muddy river that surrounds this forest, a jaguar cub. I'm Charlotte Pritchard,

and for this week's assignment on the BBC World Service, I've come here to find out who made that

possible and what the future is for this new Jaguar family.

My colleague Macarena Gagliardi and I are going to make our way to the dusty banks of the River

Bermecho.

We're going to spend two days navigating this river because it's the most likely place we will spot a jaguar.

The river is important because jaguars are great swimmers.

They roam via the water, trying to find food and mates, and can cover around a mile and a half a day swimming.

Jaguars are the world's third largest cat

after the tiger and the lion.

Their orange, white and black skin is like a leopard's

but with larger black spots.

There's a strong, sweet smell in the syrupy air.

My guide Melina Ibanez, shortened to Melli, tells me it's coming from what they call the hairy tree,

because its leaves are like small hedgehogs.

...