Big cats are exactly what they sound like! They’re the five largest species found within the cat family. Although these animals have a lot of differences such as appearance, size, and habitat, they also have a few things in common including being carnivores and that they all hunt their prey.
There are five species within the big cat family, these are:
The lion is native to Africa and India and one of the two most recognisable species of the big cat family alongside tigers. They are carnivores and group animals that, unlike most big cats, will stay together.
Tigers are the largest cat species in the world. Amur tigers (sometimes called Siberian tigers) are the biggest and can reach up to 10 feet long and weighing up to 660 pounds!
Jaguars are distinct in their appearance with their golden-coloured fur and dark spots. They are mostly found in the Amazon rainforest, and they are the third biggest cat species after the lion and tiger.
The leopard is known for its climbing abilities and can be found scaling trees to stalk and hunt their prey. They live in sub-Saharan Africa, India, China, and northeast Africa.
Snow leopards are recognisable from their thick white-grey coat and their ability to survive in harsh conditions. Found in the steep rocky mountains of Asia, they have adapted to hunt, mate and survive in difficult environments.
The Amur tiger is the largest of the tiger species as a Sumatran tiger can be very slender and small.
The leopard is the smallest of the big cats.
There are a few different ways to look at this question. Certain big cat species will be more aggressive than others, and some will hunt and kill more. Based on size and strength the lion and tiger will certainly be the most formidable, however each species has adapted to its environment and developed their own skills to hunt their prey.
The tiger is not only the biggest, but it’s also the strongest big cat species. This size advantage plays a significant role in its ability to hunt and kill its prey. However, pound for pound it’s the jaguar that comes out on top – making the jaguar species the strongest!
Amur leopards are considered the most Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) big cat in the world, with less than 100 left in the wild.
The jaguar has the strongest bite relative to its size. There is a measurement called bite force quotient (BFQ) that measures the impact of a bite, and, for its size, the jaguar is the most powerful of all big cat species.
All five members of the big cat family belong to the genus panthera.
Lions are the only big cat species that live in a group, or more specifically in a pride. All other big cat species live in isolation (except for mothers and their young).
Want to get up close and personal with the Paradise Wildlife Park big cats? Book a big cat experience today and enjoy our cats for yourself! Or adopt one an animal today to support our conservation efforts.
