If you ever find yourself lost in the wilderness, there are certain animals that you should be cautious of. What are we referring to? Big cats, of course! And no, we’re not talking about chubby, furry felines named Fluffy. We’re referring to the truly large cats.
The group of animals known as big cats consists of four species: tigers, lions, leopards, and jaguars. The term big cat is not a scientific term. Instead, it’s an informal term used to distinguish the larger species of cats from the smaller ones.
Occasionally, the term “big cats” includes a few other species. For example, some individuals include cougars, cheetahs, snow leopards, and clouded leopards. Tigers are the largest among the big cat species, and the largest cat of all is the Amur (Siberian) tiger. These animals can weigh over 750 pounds and grow longer than 10 feet!
However, a new “super lion” has recently been discovered in Africa. Unlike most cats, the super lion enjoys swimming, has developed stronger chest muscles, and is 15% larger than typical lions.
Big cats can be found in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Despite differences in size, the various big cats have very similar body structures and behaviors. The only exception to this rule is the cheetah, which differs from any other big or small cat.
Big cats are carnivores. This means they consume other animals.
They are also the only cats that are able to roar. Their roar is produced by a special larynx with cartilage walls that vibrate and create sound when air passes through it from the lungs. Lions have the longest larynx, which enables them to roar the loudest. Cheetahs and snow leopards are unable to roar, despite having similar throat structures. For this reason, some individuals exclude them from the list of big cats.
Big cats may be known for their ferocity, but they have more to fear from humans than we do from them. All big cats can be found on the endangered species list, primarily due to habitat destruction and poaching. Many countries have now established conservation areas to protect the remaining populations of big cats.
Think you know a lot about big cats? Here are some interesting facts that you may not be aware of:
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An adult lion’s roar is incredibly loud! It can be heard up to five miles away.
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Snow leopards can leap up to seven times their own body length in a single jump.
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The stripes on a tiger are unique, much like a fingerprint. No two tigers have the same pattern.
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The leopard is the most skilled climber among the big cats. It can carry prey that weighs twice as much as itself up a tree.
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The jaguar gets its name from a Native American word that means “he who kills with one leap.”
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In the wild, lions typically live for 12 to 16 years. In captivity, they can live up to 25 years.
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Tigers do not avoid water like many other cats and are excellent swimmers.
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Lions are the only big cats that live in groups, which are known as prides.
Give It a Try
Are you ready to interact with some big cats? Make sure to engage in the following activities with a friend or family member:
Check out these interesting facts about big cats from National Geographic if you’re interested in getting up close and personal with them. If you were to encounter one of these majestic creatures in the wild, which one would scare you the most? Mountain Lions, Tigers, or Lions? Share your thoughts.
Have you ever tried making a craft related to felines? If you want to blend in with a jungle full of big cats, how would you camouflage yourself? If you’re feeling creative, you can try making a Lion Cub Mask, Tiger Face Painting, or Lemon Lion Cupcakes.
Did you know that you can contribute to saving endangered lions in Africa? It’s true! All you need is a pencil and a sheet of paper. Learn how you can Write a Letter to a Lion to make a difference. What would you say to a lion in your letter? And if the lion could reply, what would you want to know about it?
Here are some sources to learn more about wonders:
– Britannica Dictionary (accessed 25 July 2022)
– National Geographic’s page on big cats (accessed 28 Dec. 2018)
– Wildlife Conservation Society’s page on big cats (accessed 28 Dec. 2018)
– Discovery’s guide to big cats (accessed 28 Dec. 2018)
– National Geographic’s page on big cat facts (accessed 28 Dec. 2018)
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