Definition of puma

The word "puma" is derived from the Quechua language, which is still spoken by indigenous people in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and other South American countries. The Quechua people have a strong cultural connection to the puma, which they consider a powerful and sacred animal. In Quechua, the word for puma is "p'uma," which dates back to pre-Incan times. The puma is highly revered in traditional Incan religion, where it is seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and leadership. The Incan Empire also had a military unit known as the "puma delegation," which was made up of elite warriors trained to emulate the qualities of the puma. The Spanish colonization of South America in the 16th century had a significant impact on the Quechua language and culture, resulting in the adoption of Spanish words and the decline of traditional languages. However, the Quechua word for puma has persisted, and it is now commonly used in Spanish to refer to the animal, which is scientifically known as Puma concolor. Today, conservation efforts are underway to protect the puma and its habitat, recognizing the importance of this iconic predator in the ecology and culture of the Andes Mountains.