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What are the Big Cats?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

The big cats include all the species in genera Panthera — the tiger, lion, leopard, and jaguar. All these cats can roar, and are sometimes called great cats. Another, more expansive definition of the big cats includes the cheetah, snow leopard, clouded leopard, and cougar. This breaks the more restrictive, monophyletic definition of Panthera, which includes the exclusive descendants of a common ancestor.

The big cats are some of the strongest land predators on the planet. Aside from rare historic reports of domesticated leopards, none are domestic, and all are deadly, though tourists on safari can get close to leopards in relative safety. There are reports of man-eating variants of all but the jaguar, though humans are not the preferred prey of big cats. They usually only target us when other prey is depleted. However, the most prolific man-eating tiger has killed more than 436 people, with 300,000 deaths alone in India between 1800 and 1900.

Leopards, which are classified under the scientific name Panthera pardus, eat and sleep in trees.
Leopards, which are classified under the scientific name Panthera pardus, eat and sleep in trees.

All of the big cats are beautiful and elegant, making popular exhibits in zoos. Like all other cats, the big cats are exclusively carnivores, as evidenced from their saber-like teeth and powerful skulls. Of all the big cats, the heaviest and most powerful is the tiger, found in Southeast Asia. The largest tigers can be 4 m (13 ft) in total length and weigh up to 300 kg (660 lb), comparable to the largest extinct felids. Tigers are known for their distinct coat which is covered with beautiful dark vertical stripes, overlaid on near-white and orange fur. This gives tigers a fiery appearance. A poll conducted by Animal Planet in 2004 found that the tiger is the world's favorite animal, narrowly beating out "man's best friend", the dog.

Tigers and all of the species  in genera Panthera are known as the big cats.
Tigers and all of the species in genera Panthera are known as the big cats.

The lion is another of the big cats, popular and well known throughout the world. It has tan-colored fur, and is known for the striking different appearance of males and females — males have the famous large mane. Unlike most other cats, lions are highly social, living in groups called prides. Their range extends across most of sub-Saharan Africa and a tiny part of India, but tens of thousands of years ago, lions were also found in Europe, China, Beringia (far northeast Russia), and North America. The extinct American cave lion was one of the largest land predators aside from bears.

Frequently Asked Questions

What species are considered 'big cats'?

Cougars are sometimes included in the category of big cats, though they can't roar.
Cougars are sometimes included in the category of big cats, though they can't roar.

The term 'big cats' typically refers to the five members of the genus Panthera: lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and snow leopards. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these species are distinguished by their ability to roar, except for the snow leopard, which is included due to its genetic similarities.

Which is the largest of the big cats?

The big cats' range extends across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
The big cats' range extends across much of sub-Saharan Africa.

The Siberian tiger, a subspecies of tiger, holds the title for the largest big cat. Adult males can weigh up to 660 pounds and measure over 10 feet in length. The Tiger Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission notes that these majestic creatures are critically endangered, with only a few hundred left in the wild.

Are big cats endangered?

Lions are the most social of the big cats, living in groups called prides.
Lions are the most social of the big cats, living in groups called prides.

Yes, most big cat species face various degrees of threat, primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. For instance, the IUCN Red List classifies tigers and lions as Endangered, while leopards and jaguars are considered Near Threatened. Snow leopards are Vulnerable, with climate change posing a significant risk to their mountain habitats.

How do big cats contribute to their ecosystems?

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.

Big cats are apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by controlling herbivore populations. This helps prevent overgrazing and maintains biodiversity. Their presence also supports ecotourism, which can provide vital income for local communities and incentivize conservation efforts, as noted by conservation organizations like Panthera.

What efforts are being made to conserve big cats?

Conservation efforts for big cats include anti-poaching patrols, habitat preservation, and community engagement programs. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Panthera work globally to establish protected areas, develop conflict mitigation strategies between humans and big cats, and enforce stricter wildlife trade regulations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Can big cats be found outside of their natural habitats?

Big cats are occasionally found outside their natural habitats due to habitat fragmentation or being displaced by human activities. Some are also kept in captivity in zoos and sanctuaries. However, conservationists warn against private ownership of big cats, as it often leads to inadequate care and contributes to illegal wildlife trade, as reported by the WWF.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllThingsNature contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

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    • Leopards, which are classified under the scientific name Panthera pardus, eat and sleep in trees.
      By: Yulia Romanova
      Leopards, which are classified under the scientific name Panthera pardus, eat and sleep in trees.
    • Tigers and all of the species  in genera Panthera are known as the big cats.
      By: Mingis
      Tigers and all of the species in genera Panthera are known as the big cats.
    • Cougars are sometimes included in the category of big cats, though they can't roar.
      By: SandmanX
      Cougars are sometimes included in the category of big cats, though they can't roar.
    • The big cats' range extends across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
      By: Photocreo Bednarek
      The big cats' range extends across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
    • Lions are the most social of the big cats, living in groups called prides.
      By: clickit
      Lions are the most social of the big cats, living in groups called prides.
    • Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.
      By: TanArt
      Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.