The jaguar is the largest predator of the Mesoamerican fauna. Symbol of strength, power, and royalty, this sacred animal had a strong impact on the religions and cultures of the American continent, particularly of pre-Columbian civilization. Some leaders of Maya communities have names that include the word Maya for the jaguar, bamlam or b'alam. The king of the jungle is still important in the contemporary culture, used as a symbol of a country, product name, and sporting franchises name.