What is a "Big Cat?" How is it different than others cats?
Many of us were taught that the difference between "big cats" and other cats was all about the roar: big cats roar, the rest purr. The standard classification of big cats includes the five included in genus Panthera:
1. lions (Panthera leo)
2. tigers (Panthera tigris)
3. jaguars (Panthera onca)
4. leopards (Panthera pardus)
5. snow leopards (Panthera uncia)
Now, we know snow leopards don't roar. That is because their larynx is actually built differently than the other four big cats. Still, they belong to genus Panthera, therefore belong firmly on team big cat.
And what about cheetahs and cougars? Various felinologists and conservationists believe the definition of big cat goes beyond genus Panthera to include cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and cougars (Puma concolor).
These special kinds of cats are found around the globe in differing habitats and climates. They have been featured in our cultural myths, their power and speed are legendary, not to mention their renowned intelligence and hunting prowess. All seven cats in the expanded "big cat" category are apex predators and critical to the health of their ecosystems.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sa7SZ6arn1%2BWv7W1wqWcrGecmq6zuoyao6VlkZe8tsCMm6CgZZOWwbQ%3D