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10. The Bobcat
The Bobcat is found in North America. It inhabits wooded areas, desert edges, semi desert edges, and swampland environments. The bobcat may be considered a “big cat” but in relation to other big cats, it is very small in size. In fact, it is only about twice as large as a domestic cat.
9. The Ocelot
The Ocelot is famous for looking similar to a domestic cat. Its fur may resemble that of a clouded leopard or jaguar. Ocelots are mostly found in South America, Central America and Mexico. Ocelots were considered endangered during the 1980s but have since been removed from the endangered species list.
8. The Caracal Cat
The Caracal Cat is also known as the Persian or African Lynx. It is closely related to the African Golden Cat. They are best known for their extraordinary climbing and jumping skills. The Caracal is distributed over Africa and Western Asia. A sighting of a caracal cat is extremely rare because they are also very skilled at hiding from humans.
7. The Jaguarundi
The Jaguarundi is found in Mexico and Central and South America. It is said to resemble an otter because the coat is a solid color (except for the spots they have at birth) and it has rounded ears. Many Spanish speaking countries call the Jaguarundi “leoncillo” which means “little lion”. Unlike many big cats, this cat hunts during the day. Most Jaguarundis live in low brush places near running water.
6. The Marbled Cat
Almost matching the size of a domesticated cat, the marbled cat is one of the smallest of the big cats. The cat’s 45cm tail can be used for balance when hunting. The marbled cat can be found around parts of India to southeast Asia. Unfortunately, this cat is rarely studied because they are extremely difficult to spot. Their population is said to be under 10,000 because of their shrinking forest habitat.
5. Jaguar
The Jaguar is the third largest cat in the world. It is the national animal of Brazil. Jaguar's closely resemble Leopards but are much larger. It is also one of the few big cats that likes to swim. They are solitary predators and are known to regulate the populations of prey species. The powerful bite of the Jaguar allows them to break through shell and hard reptile skin. Sadly, their numbers are dropping quickly and are threatened as they are often killed by humans. A Jaguar's short, stocky limbs make them skilled in climbing, crawling and swimming.
4. Snow Leopard
The Snow Leopard generally lives in the mountain ranges of Central Asia and Afghanistan. Its life span is usually around 15-18 years. It is close in size to a regular Leopard but has a long tail used for balance in rugged terrain. They may live in caves in mountainous regions. There are estimated to be about 5,000 Snow Leopards left, making them an endangered species. The Snow Leopard diet consists of Ibexes, Boars and Deer.
3. Lion
Lions usually live in grasslands. A group of Lions is called a pride which consists of females, lion cubs, and a few male lions. The female lions usually do the hunting in groups (males will rarely ever hunt). The Lion is known as a vulnerable species with a population decline of 30-50 percent. A male is recognized by its mane, Lion's are the second largest feline in the world. Lion cubs are born with spots on their body but these disappear with age. The diet of a Lion includes Wildebeest, Impalas, Zebras and Buffalo.
2.Cheetah
Many people classify the Cheetah as the world’s fastest land animal they have the ability to reach speeds of 113km's per hour. The round, black spots on the coat help to camouflage the cat when hunting. They will mostly eat mammals including Gazelles, Wildebeests and Zebras. When a Cheetah sprints for its prey, its body temperature becomes so high that it could be fatal if kept at that level for a long period of time. Cheetahs are on the World Conservation Union list of vulnerable species. There are said to only be about 12,400 Cheetahs left in the wild.
1.Tiger
Tigers are usually found in southern and eastern Asia. Like many big cats, they are territorial and solitary. The dark, vertical stripes that overlay the reddish orange color is unique to the Tiger. Tigers living in the wild will usually prey on animals such as Buffalo, Boar, Deer and sometimes Leopards and Pythons. Tigers can leap up to 16 feet. They always live near water because they enjoy bathing.
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