Big wild cat. The most beautiful and graceful predators are big cats (40 photos)
Tops are very popular today. We will present you the top dangerous predators of our planet.
10th place. Wolf
Species - Wolf, order - Predators. The animal's body length is on average 105-160 cm. Weight is 32-50 kg.
Best environment predator habitats are tundra, semi-deserts, steppes and forest-steppe zones. The wolf is a characteristic representative of the Predator Squad. To get food for themselves, wolves hunt their victims. These are mainly ungulates: antelope, deer, wild boar, roe deer, elk. Also, if there are settlements nearby where people live, then they can attack livestock.
9th place. Leopard
- a type of predator, belongs to the cat family. The animal's weight ranges from 32 to 40 kg, but occasionally can reach 100 kg. The leopard lives in all forests: tropical, subtropical and mixed. Also on mountain slopes, plains, savannas and in thickets along river banks. Mostly these animals live alone and go out hunting at night. The leopard feeds on deer, antelope, and roe deer, but can also hunt birds, rodents, and monkeys.
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8th place. Jaguar
Jaguar is he larger than a leopard. The weight of the animal can reach 136 kg. Jaguar lives in tropical forests, and most of them live in bushes that have dried out. The jaguar's prey includes ungulates such as deer. It can also feed on snakes, foxes, monkeys, birds, rodents and turtles. Willingly attack domestic animals.
![](https://i1.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/yaguar.jpg)
7th place. a lion
The lion is second only to the tiger in size and is the second largest living cat on Earth.
The weight of the animal is 250 kg. These predators mainly live in savannas, but can sometimes also be found in shrubby areas and forests. They live in special so-called family groups– prides. This family usually includes related females, their offspring and several adult males. The main prey of lions are large ungulates, which they hunt in groups. It was also noted that lions attack people very often, but not purposefully.
![](https://i1.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/lev-2.jpg)
6th place. Tiger
The tiger is the largest member of the cat family. Average weight animal from 180 to 250 kg.
The tiger finds food by hunting ungulate animals: deer, roe deer, wild boar.
It can also feed on other animals, including crabs, fish, turtles, crocodiles and even insects. This animal has no difficulty in catching prey that lives in a pond, since it loves to swim and is an excellent swimmer. Currently, the species of these predators is preserved in the north of Iran, Afghanistan, Thailand, Indochina, Nepal, and Burma. In Russia they are only available on Far East, in Primorsky Krai.
![](https://i0.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/tigr-2.jpeg)
5th place. The Bears
Bear - belongs to the family of the predatory order. On this moment are the largest of the land predatory animals that live on Earth. For example, polar bears have a body length of about three meters and a weight of 725 to 1000 kg.
The most common habitats of these predators are dense forests, which alternate with swamps and ponds. In the forest, the bear feels safe and only there does it find refuge, and it goes out into open places to look for food. These animals feed mainly on berries, nuts, plants and fish. Hunting for large animals (boars, deer, elk and others) is carried out mainly by old males.
![](https://i0.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/medved.jpg)
4th place. Crocodile
Crocodile belongs to the order of aquatic vertebrates. The average size of this animal is 4-5 m in length and it weighs 400-500 kg. These animals live in all fresh water bodies, tropical countries. Crocodiles mainly go hunting in dark time days. Their prey is mainly fish, but they can also attack other prey, but only if they can handle it.
![](https://i0.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/l.jpg)
3rd place. Sharks
Shark is a species cartilaginous fish. The largest predatory shark is the white one. Its dimensions are about six meters, and its weight reaches 1900 kg. Sharks live in all oceans of the Earth (except for the Arctic Ocean).
Sharks feed on fish, squid, and can also attack other sharks and dolphins. This type of predator is the most dangerous for humans.
![](https://i2.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/akula.jpg)
2nd place. killer whale
Killer whale is the most dangerous sea predator. The second name is killer whale.
Marine mammal order Cetaceans, family Dolphins. Female killer whales reach seven to eight meters in size and weigh four to five tons. Males are much larger: up to ten meters and about eight tons.
For those who dream of pet and wants to buy something non-trivial and unusual, excellent option will become the most big cats. Their habits do not differ from their smaller relatives, but their size amazes the imagination and breaks all stereotypes. Contrary to popular belief, large breeds of domestic cats are very graceful, flexible and elegant. They require more attention, care and care, but compensate for all this with affection and love for the owner. So, here is a list of the largest domestic cats.
For those who dream of a pet and want to buy something non-trivial and unusual, the biggest cats are an excellent option.
This rating is quite arbitrary, since the largest domestic cats do not always differ so significantly in size from their other brothers, who did not find a place in the top. This is especially true for females, who by nature are always smaller than males.
10. Kurilian Bobtail. The hit parade of big cats opens with a large, handsome Kurilian Bobtail. The weight of an adult male ranges around 6.8 kg, females - from 3.5 to 5 kg. This breed was bred on the Kuril Islands and at the end of the 20th century transported to mainland. Characteristic difference bobtail - short tail. These graceful big cats can even compete with dogs in terms of affection for their owner and intelligence. Kurilian Bobtails are usually friendly and love attention.
9. Chartreuse. Chartreuse is a large cat whose breed is recognized throughout the world, except Britain. They started breeding them in French city Chartres, where the name of these big cats comes from. In the Middle Ages they were called cat-dogs - these animals were so muscular, strong and smart. Males weigh 6-7 kg, females - 5-6. Despite their attachment to their owner, Chartreux are not very talkative and often only purr.
Chartreuse is a large cat whose breed is recognized throughout the world, except Britain.
8. Pixie bob. Domestic cat, almost identical in appearance to the lynx, is a pixie bob. The breed was artificially bred in the USA and is translated as “short-tailed elf.” You should not take the external severity and severity of these cats seriously: pixie-bobs love tenderness, are very tactful and unobtrusive. They do not reach the size of a lynx, but belong to the list of large cats weighing from 5 to 7.7 kg.
Pixie bob. A domestic cat that is almost identical in appearance to the lynx is the pixie bob.
7. Norwegian forest. The most resilient and adapted to harsh conditions a cat in the world is a beauty. This magnificent cat breed has a very thick and long wool, there are fur folds on the neck, a fluffy tail. The weight of an adult cat can reach 9 kg. Despite their size, these cats are agile, strong and fast. These are animals with innate hunting instincts who love freedom. But they also treat people quite friendly.
Norwegian forest. The most resilient cat in the world, adapted to harsh conditions
6. . Giant Van cats get their name from the area of the Turkish salt lake Van. Today, this breed of large cats is the rarest and is distributed mainly in Turkey. A typical Van has a truly cat-like disposition, is freedom-loving and independent, energetic and loves space. And also - swim. Perhaps this is due to the inextricable connection between his homeland and water.
Giant Van cats got their name from the area of the Turkish salt lake Van.
The biggest and largest cats in the world (video)
Top five largest cats in the world
A significant advantage that distinguishes really large breeds of cats is their rather high intelligence by cat standards.
5. Fifth place in the list of the largest breeds of domestic cats belongs to the Siberian cat. The weight of adult seasoned Siberians is from 5 to 9 kg. Although this is domestic cat, he prefers the wide open spaces of the yard to the cramped conditions of the apartment. The Siberian cat is the most large breed cats in Russia are hunters by nature, and for full life they need a lot of space. Such pets are able to defend their territory and warn of the appearance of strangers.
The Siberian cat is the largest cat breed in Russia
4. . The British are real giants. Heaviest weight males of this breed weigh 10 kg, and females weigh 5-7 kg. The most popular color of the British is blue. They get along well with other pets, sedate and balanced, even lazy. Therefore, they tend to be overweight.
The British are real giants
3. Ragdoll. Phlegmatic ragdolls are one of the most common breeds in the world. The name of the breed translates as " Ragdoll" And this is not far from the truth, since these pets allow you to fiddle with them like a doll: pet them, squeeze them, drag them, comb them, and show love and tenderness in other ways. However, what joy could there be in carrying this huge ball of fur in your arms? After all, it weighs about 9-10 kg. This miracle with big eyes has a very original color.
Phlegmatic Ragdolls are one of the most common breeds in the world.
2. Maine Coon. According to legend, the Maine Coon breed came from crossing a cat and a raccoon. It was from these animals that the seals got their color, fluffy tail, some habits and unnaturally large sizes. The weight of a male Maine Coon can reach 15 kg, and its height can be up to 40 cm. One of the representatives of this breed was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest cat in the world: its length was 123 cm. This is significantly longer than that of a baby. Despite the impressive size and great appearance, the Maine Coon is a completely domestic cat, peaceful, graceful and very neat.
According to legend, the Maine Coon breed originated from crossing a cat and a raccoon.
Cat family (Felidae)- a group of mammals from the order Carnivora (Carnivora - "carnivores").
With the exception of Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Madagascar, Japan, and most oceanic islands, indigenous populations of cats are found throughout the world, and one species, the domestic cat, has been introduced almost everywhere where humans exist today. Although some scientists recognize only a few genera, most reputable researchers recognize 18 genera and 36 species. With the exception of the largest cats, most species are skilled climbers, and many are skilled swimmers. Almost all members of the family are solitary animals. Often, modern cats are divided into two subfamilies - large and small cats. As a rule, small cats include animals that, due to the structure of the hyoid bone, are not able to growl.
Felids are perhaps the most specialized hunters of all carnivores. They often kill prey of their own size, and sometimes several times larger. Unlike some predators, felines feed on animals that they have killed themselves. They are fast and hunt mainly at night. Felines are found in all terrestrial environments habitats, with the exception of treeless tundra and polar ice.
Area
Felids are native to all continents. Excluding domestic and stray cats (Felis catus) which are geographically distributed throughout the world, wild cats can be found everywhere except Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Madagascar, the polar regions, and many isolated oceanic islands.
Habitat
Felids are found in all terrestrial habitats, with the exception of treeless tundra and polar ice regions. Most species have unique environment habitats and can be found in a wide range of different environmental conditions. However, only a few of them are adapted to limited habitats. For example, optimal conditions habitat for sand cats (Felis margarita) include sandy and rocky deserts. Domestic and stray cats (F. Catus) are found throughout the world and are especially widespread in urban and suburban areas.
Description
All cats bear a strong resemblance to each other. Unlike members of the canidae family (Canidae), cats have a short mouth and a characteristic dental formula, which increases their bite force. The loss or reduction of premolars and molars is especially evident in felines, which have a typical dental formula of 3/3, 1/1, 3/2, 1/1 = 30. In most species, the upper premolar is significantly reduced, and in lynxes (Lynx), is completely absent. Felines have well-developed carnassial teeth. Their cheek teeth are tuberculate and specialized for cutting meat. The fangs are typically long and tapered, and are ideal for piercing the tissues of prey with minimal force. Cats also have a vestigial baculum and retractable claws. Most cats have five toes on their front paws and four on their back paws.
Body weight varies from 2 kg to black-footed cats (Felis negripes) up to 300 kg for tigers (Panthera tigris) , and exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males being larger and stronger than females. In some species, such as lions (Panthera leo) , males may also have ornamentation that is used to attract potential mates. Throughout the range, cats' fur is longer where the temperature environment, as a rule, low (for example, Snow leopards). Felids display a wide range of coat colors from black to white, and many species possess cryptically colored coats containing rosettes, spots and stripes that help camouflage the animals when hunting. Melanistic variants (solid black) are common in many species, but all-white individuals tend to be rare. A large change in coat color can occur within individual species and ages. For example, adult cougars (Puma concolor) rarely have spots, while their kittens almost always have them. In general, the belly of cats is usually light shade, and the muzzle, tail, and back of the ears often have black or white markings.
Felids have a number of morphological adaptations that have allowed them to become the most skilled hunters among carnivores. They are digitigrade, which allows them to move quickly. Their powerful limbs help them grab and hold big catch. Often, cats have a mysterious camouflage that makes them invisible while hunting. Additionally, many felines have large eyes and exceptional vision. In nocturnal species, the tapetum helps capture limited light. Most species are famous for their large, slightly structured, rotating ears. And finally, their tongue has a sandy-texture, which helps keep food in their mouths and separate meat from the bones of prey.
Reproduction
Felids are most often classified as polygynous (where a male can mate with multiple females in a single breeding season), but are also known to be promiscuous (polygynandrous - where two or more males copulate with two or more females). The number of males and females does not have to be equal. Such groups often include related males. The advantage of this form sexual behavior: greater, less need for males to compete with each other, and also a higher degree of protection for the offspring). A female's estrus lasts from 1 to 21 days and can be repeated several times until she becomes pregnant. Through vocalizations, olfactory markings and restless behavior, females communicate to their potential mates that they are ready to breed. As in most polygynous species, males compete for females through displays of strength in combat as well as direct physical contact (such as rubbing against the female). During courtship, successful males may approach receptive females with their heads down. The act of copulation lasts less than a minute and is repeated for several days. Then, the male is able to leave the female to find another, in which case, another male takes his place.
In felids, male home ranges often include the territories of several females (except for lions) and the male mates with females that are within his territory. Most conspecific interactions occur during mating season or as a result of territorial disputes between competing males. Indirect interactions through olfactory markings or vocalizations help reduce fatalities.
In most felids, reproduction is not seasonal, but in areas with extreme climatic conditions or the inconstancy of prey, childbirth occurs at the most favorable time of the year. Small cats typically have up to 3 litters per year, while large cats have 1 litter every 18 months. The interval between litters will depend on the rate of maturation of the kittens, body size, food availability, or recent loss of cubs. For example, if a female loses her litter, she may go into heat within a few weeks. Although most litters average 2-4 cubs, sometimes up to 8 kittens are born. The gestational period (pregnancy) lasts about 2 months in small cats and up to 3 months in lions and tigers.
Kittens are born completely blind and deaf, which makes them defenseless. With the exception of lions, in other species of the family, females are the only ones who raise the young. Mothers often hide their newborns in dens, rock crevices, or hollows until they learn to move independently. Weaning begins with the introduction of solid food into the diet and ranges from 28 days for domestic cats and up to 100 days for lions and tigers. Small cats reach sexual maturity at about 12 months, and large cats at about 2 years. Typically, felines do not produce their first litter until they have established a home range, which is acquired at 3-4 years of age. Although the age of independence varies greatly, it occurs around 18 months in many species. Unlike most felines, lions are very social and females take turns caring for newborn kittens while the mother is away hunting for prey.
Females train kittens necessary technicians hunting. Most of the time, kittens spend " role-playing games", which help develop hunting skills. Despite the fact that lions experience infanticide on the part of other males, natural fathers take care of their offspring and protect them from possible threats, and also allow mothers to get a well-deserved rest.
Lifespan
Life expectancy ranges from 15 to 30 years. IN wildlife, high mortality rate found among young, usually due to predation. In captivity, have been recorded deaths associated with stillbirths, cannibalism, lack of maternal care, hypothermia and congenital defects.
Behavior
With the exception of lions, which form prides, felines are solitary animals that meet with their own kind only to reproduce. They tend to hunt at night (with the exception of cheetahs) and although most of them night look life, the peak of activity is observed at dusk and dawn. Most cats are excellent climbers, and some species have proven themselves to be skilled swimmers. When conspecifics meet, the position of the tail and ears, as well as the alignment of the teeth, demonstrate the level of tolerance. Scent markings, rubbing, and scratching on trees are used to mark territorial boundaries, dominance, and reproduction.
Communication and perception
Felines have a keen sense of smell, hearing and vision. In addition to the tapetum, (the reflective layer of the eyes of many vertebrates that makes cats' night vision 7 times better than that of humans), they have a modified pupil that provides excellent vision over a wide range. The pupil is a vertical slit that widens in low light conditions and contracts in strong light. Felines have relatively large ears that can rotate, allowing them to receive multidirectional sounds without turning their heads. Well-developed vibrissae located above the eyes, near the nose, on the chin, paws, ankles and tail, play important role in the tactile sensory system. Like other carnivores, felines have tactile receptors inside their fingers, which allow them to sense temperature, pressure, and other stimuli.
Felids are solitary animals that mark territory with facial glands and urine. They also mark territorial boundaries by scratching tree trunks. Like many vertebrates, cats have a vomeronasal organ, or Jacobson's organ, which allows them to detect pheromones. This olfactory sense organ is located at the base of the nasal cavity and plays an important role in interspecies interactions, especially related to reproductive function. The use of the vomeronasal organ allows males to assess the readiness of females for mating and the quality of potential partners. It is believed that input from the vomeronasal organ and olfactory bulbs contributes significantly to sexual activity.
Due to their nocturnal and solitary lifestyle, it is difficult to study vocal communication between conspecifics. However, the sounds of many carnivores signal individual recognition and territorial boundaries. It is believed that from domestic cats ( Felis catus), you can hear most of the sounds made by most members of the cat family. They purr, meow, growl, hiss and scream. The hyoid bone of small cats is hardened, resulting in an inability to roar. Big cats are capable of roaring, which is believed to be used for long-distance communication. For example, lions usually roar at night to defend their territory. Research shows that lionesses can detect the sex of a roaring individual and respond differently to different roaring individuals.
Nutrition
Based on morphological characteristics, felids are considered the most specialized predators of all carnivores. They are at the top of the food chain in most ecosystems as their diet consists almost entirely of animals. Sometimes cats will ingest grass, which helps to "cleanse" the stomach of indigestible foods such as hair, bones and feathers. Some species consume fruit to compensate for the lack of water. Felids can eat viscera (i.e. internal organs) of prey, thus consuming partially digested plant biomass. Although big cats typically hunt large prey (such as equids and artiodactyls), they also occasionally feed on carrion. Small cats mainly hunt rodents, rabbits or hares. Whenever possible, small cats feed on reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, crustaceans and arthropods. Some species hide their prey and may drag killed carcasses under nearby trees before consuming them (for example, the leopard). Fishing cats and Sumatran cats are unique among felids in that they have adapted to hunt fish and frogs.
Threats
Felids are generally apex predators (meaning their numbers are not regulated by other animals), but juveniles are vulnerable to predation until they are able to defend themselves. Many species have cryptic colors that allow them to remain camouflaged in their native environment a habitat. Most big cats are intolerant of other species of the family. For example, lions easily kill leopards, which are known to kill cheetahs. Male lions commit infanticide to cause females to come into heat and eliminate the offspring of competing males. About a quarter of lion cub deaths are the result of infanticide, which also occurs in pumas.
Role in the ecosystem
Felines occupy a position at the top of the food chain and begin to control species populations from top to bottom in their native habitat. They often attack the most vulnerable individuals (for example, young, old or sick). Some species of large herbivores may avoid predators. For example, evidence suggests that white-tailed deer from Bear Island, Florida avoided forest habitat Florida cougars. However, bobcats, which typically hunt small mammals, can attack deer in open habitats. Thus, in an attempt to avoid one predator, white-tailed deer become increasingly vulnerable to another.
Economic significance for humans
Positive
Felids were first domesticated in Egypt between 4,000 and 7,000 years ago. Historically, the skins of these animals served as a symbol of high status and power, a trend that continues to this day. In Africa, cats were often hunted as trophies. Punitive killings by livestock farmers are also not uncommon. In addition to their skins, these animals are coveted for their claws and teeth. Medicines traditional medicine may include feline by-products, but their effectiveness has not yet been proven. Although international trade wild cats and their by-products are illegal, and domestic trade continues in some countries to this day. Large cats have important for African and Indian ecotourism, and attract tourists to national parks and private reserves. Small cats primarily hunt rodents, hares and rabbits, and control pest populations throughout much of their range. Big cats typically prey on large herbivores, which reduces competition between livestock and native ungulates.
Negative
In areas where feral domestic cats live, populations of small vertebrates (such as birds, lizards and small mammals) have declined significantly. Felines attack and kill farm animals, resulting in losses. Wild cats can transmit diseases to domestic cats. Big cats sometimes kill and eat people, although most attacks are often the result of accidental encounters or attacks by sick or injured animals. IN national park Sundarbans, India, where the densest mangrove forests, every year several dozen people are killed by tigers.
Security status
Major concerns for felines include habitat loss or fragmentation, interactions with humans, international trade, domestication of wild animals, poaching, and loss of natural prey. In addition, declining population sizes increase the animals' vulnerability to extinction, resulting in natural Disasters, epidemics, and inbreeding. According to the IUCN Red List, most of species of the family are currently in decline, and for some species there is no reliable data to determine demographic trends. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1975 due to concerns that the international fur trade would lead to extinction large quantity felines. Currently, all species of the family are listed in Appendices I and II.
Currently, conservation efforts focus on habitat conservation, captive breeding, and reintroduction. Numerous cat species have been reintroduced into areas where they were once extinct. Most reintroduction attempts fail due to a lack of careful planning and execution, which is directly related to a lack of time and money. Many cats are currently in decline, mainly due to persecution by humans. Unless reintroductions are supported by local communities, such efforts are doomed to failure.
In 1996, the IUCN published a plan of action for the conservation of big cats, which consists of a list of 105 " priority projects". "Overall plan conservation" included a range of actions that were believed to help conserve all species. Since 1996, the IUCN Specialist Team has helped launch numerous research efforts to address the conservation goals set out in the 1996 Conservation Plan. In 2004, the IUCN Specialist Team created a “digital cat library” that contains more than 6,000 “articles and reports relevant to wild cat conservation”, and in 2005 there was the first successful experience breeding of Iberian lynxes in captivity, serving as a giant symbolic leap in the long journey of conservation of the feline species.
Classification of modern species
Subfamily Big cats (Pantherinae)
Genus | View |
Clouded leopards (Neofelis) | ![]() |
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Panthers (Panthera) | ![]() |
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Uncia | ![]() |
Subfamily Small cats (Felinae)
Genus | View |
Cheetahs (Acinonyx) | ![]() |
Caracal (Caracal) | ![]() |
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Catopumas (Catopuma) | ![]() |
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Cats (Felis) | Chinese cat (Felis bieti) |
Biology classifies felines into two subfamilies: big cats and small cats. But in the distribution of cats into these groups, it is not the size itself that plays a role, but the structure of certain bones. Therefore, representatives of the largest cats in the world are found not only among the subfamily of big cats. Pumas and cheetahs are sometimes as large as panthers, although they belong to a small group.
In first place among large cats is the tiger, one of the representatives of the panther genus. Most tigers live in Asia and feed on ungulates. These predators prefer to hunt alone, in the morning or late afternoon, and they can see six times in the dark better than man.
Some characteristics of a tiger:
- weight varies from 180 to 300 kg;
- life expectancy up to 15 years, in captivity 25 years;
- the largest of the subspecies, Amur tiger, reaches a length of three and a half meters;
- the predator accelerates to 60 km/h.
The most common subspecies of tiger, the Bengal, consists of 3,000 – 4,500 individuals. Three of the nine species have already become extinct, the rest are endangered.
A noble, proud and majestic predator living in African savannas. Lions live in families or prides. Only females hunt, often in groups. Of the entire cat family, lions are the tallest.
![](https://i2.wp.com/24smi.org/public/media/2017/6/5/02_RLLQAV1.jpg)
Some facts about lions:
- weight reaches 250 kg;
- life expectancy 10-14 years, in captivity can reach up to 20 years;
- The size of the lion in length is from 2.7 to 3 meters. One of the most big lions was 3.3 meters long;
- The usual running speed of these animals is 50 km/h, the maximum is 80 km/h.
The lion species is at risk of becoming extinct due to last decades their population in Africa has decreased by 40%.
Liger
![](https://i1.wp.com/24smi.org/public/media/2017/6/5/03_sCGxqtB.jpg)
Interesting features this unusual species:
- The liger Hercules was listed as the most big cat on the ground;
- has a weight of 400 kg and a height of 3.7 meters;
- there are 25 individuals of this species in the world;
- ligresses are capable of childbearing, which is not typical for hybrids;
- ligers love to swim.
Leopard is a large cat smaller than a tiger or a lion. Lives in Africa, Asia, the Far East in Russia. Has spots all over the body. There are also black panthers that also have spots, but due to melanism they do not show through.
![](https://i0.wp.com/24smi.org/public/media/2017/6/5/04_YavMdOc.jpg)
Leopard Characteristics:
- weight in males is up to 80 kg, in females up to 65;
- body length, excluding the tail, 0.9-1.9 meters;
- life expectancy 12-15 years, in captivity – up to 23 years;
- Leopards climb trees and can swim and fish.
The population of these animals is steadily declining: five species are already listed in the Red Book, and the number of Far Eastern, or Amur, leopards is 60 individuals. This is due to the constant cutting down of trees in the main habitats, poaching and a decrease in the food supply.
The jaguar belongs to the genus panther. It lives in South and Central America, feeding on both small rodents and adult mammals. He can swim and climb trees. It spends its life alone, meeting other representatives of its species only during reproduction.
![](https://i1.wp.com/24smi.org/public/media/2017/6/5/05_0cSBNv9.jpg)
Some features of this predator:
- body weight - 60-90 kg;
- body length, not counting the tail, 1.1-1.8 meters;
- life expectancy 10 years, in captivity - up to 25 years;
- the jaguar hunts at night and prefers to sleep during the day;
- the animal is listed in the Red Book.
The genus of panthers is distinguished by the fact that the spots on the skin of predators are unique, like human fingerprints.
Snow Leopard
The snow leopard, or snow leopard, belonging to the genus Uncia, lives in the mountains Central Asia. They live alone in mountain caves, travel a lot, do not show aggression towards people, attacks are rare.
![](https://i1.wp.com/24smi.org/public/media/2017/6/5/06_JQKMgtk.jpg)
Features of snow leopards:
- body length with tail is 2-2.3 meters;
- body weight – up to 60 kg;
- life expectancy 20-25 years;
- leopards jump up to 6 meters in length and up to 3 meters in height;
- Snow leopards cannot meow, purr, or growl.
The snow leopard is listed in the Red Book, since there are only 6,000 snow leopards left.
The puma is a small cat, although its size is not small at all, 1-1.8 meters in length. Lives in Northern and South America, hunts deer, leads a solitary lifestyle.
![](https://i1.wp.com/24smi.org/public/media/2017/6/5/07_MMS1eBA.jpg)
Interesting Facts:
- in nature, pumas live up to 20 years;
- the main enemies of pumas are bears, jaguars and wolves;
- the cubs do not come out of hiding unless their mother calls them;
- the puma reaches 65 km/h on the plains, but gets tired quickly.
Pumas are constantly hunted, but due to their adaptability to different conditions their subspecies are not under threat of complete extermination.
The cheetah lives in Africa and the Middle East. The fastest of all land animals. Forages for food during the day; its diet consists mainly of gazelles and antelopes.
![](https://i0.wp.com/24smi.org/public/media/2017/6/5/08_FVStYum.jpg)
Distinctive features cheetah:
- reaches speeds of up to 110 km/h;
- body length 1.1-1.4 meters;
- hunts in a pack;
- the claws in the paws are not retracted or are partially retracted;
- Cheetahs get along with people and are tameable.
The number of these predators is falling, according to latest information There are no more than 4,500 cheetahs left.
The size and abilities of wild cats are amazing; it’s hard to believe that these creatures live on the same planet as people. But due to human activities, the population of these animals is rapidly declining. A person must protect, protect these incredible creatures, treat them with respect and not harm them.
Felines are unsurpassed hunters. They are rightfully considered very dangerous and skilled predators. This is not surprising, because for wild cats hunting is the only way to survive in natural conditions. How often do we sometimes forget that the fluffy white cat who sleeps on the couch with us is... close relative such dangerous and untamed animals as a tiger or a lion.
The first cats
The cat family begins its history in the distant past prehistoric times. About 70 million years ago, the era of dinosaurs ended on earth, and the first mammals took their place. Evolution has led to the division of animals into herbivores and predators. Both of them had to go through a considerable development path in order to survive to our times.
Miacids are a successfully developed branch of predatory animals, which, according to scientists, appeared 65-34 million years ago. It is believed that they became the progenitors of all 11 existing families of carnivores (Canidae, Mustelidae, Bearidae and others, including the Feline family that interests us).
Miacids had small in size, had a long tail and short legs, which allowed them to easily move both on the ground and in trees. Their development rightly allowed them to be considered the top ancient predators.
The “real” ancient cat appeared about 25 million years ago; its size corresponded to the modern lynx. Her name is pseudoailurus, important feature Its development is considered to be the ability to move on the toes, thanks to which the animal acquired the ability to silently sneak up on victims. One more important event in its evolution can be called the appearance of sharp fangs, characteristic of all cats.
This is where it comes from modern family Feline. In subsequent millennia, the ancient cat went through many stages of formation before reaching our times in its current form. Many of these forms could not withstand the competition and disappeared from the face of the earth. Among them were saber tooth tigers, extinct relatively recently - only 8 thousand years ago. Unfortunately, in our time, due to the fault of humans, many predators of the cat family are endangered. Because of valuable fur people have sharply reduced their populations.
Diversity
The cat family is truly diverse and diverse. Representatives have noticeable differences in habits, physiology, color and size. The smallest representative of the family is considered to be rusty
Her maximum size reaches 48 cm (body length), tail - 25 cm, and weight large males barely reaches 1.5 kg. How can this small animal compete with the most great representative felines - a tiger, whose weight reaches 300 kg and length - 380 cm (including a tail of about 100 cm).
Common features
Despite such significant differences in size, there are a number of characteristics inherent in all members of the cat family. A photo of these animals shows that they have a graceful, proportionally folded body, a slightly rounded head located on the short neck, middle length paws with soft pads and a tail, usually long.
There are a few more important common features related to hunting life animal.
Structure of teeth. All cats have long, sharp fangs that are shaped like slightly curved cones. When they bite, they are capable of inflicting deep and even fatal wounds.
Sharp talons. No other predatory animal has such sharp claws as nature has endowed the Feline family with. Such a powerful weapon helps the animal to easily climb trees, catch and hold its prey. And to prevent their claws from becoming dull and deteriorating, cats are able to hide them in specially provided recesses. It is this, as well as the soft pads on the paws, that allow the animal to move almost silently.
By the way, the cheetah is the only one in the family that does not have retractable claws, but this does not bother him, since they help the animal develop enormous speed, acting as spikes (like on the shoes of runners).
Inconspicuous color. The colors of cats are very diverse, but at the same time they have one thing in common - the ability to camouflage in the animal’s usual habitat. Whether it's the striped color of a tiger or the sandy color of a lion, the coloring allows you to remain invisible when hunting.
Classification
The cat family is conventionally divided into two subfamilies: large and small cats, which, in turn, are divided into genera and species. In total, there are 14 genera and 35-38 species (their number depends on the method of classification). In general, it is quite difficult to make a division, since the distinguishing features are often quite insignificant.
The subfamily of big cats includes only 3 genera, the remaining 11 are small cats. Oddly enough, the classification is not based on size at all, but on other morphological features. Because of this, the small cat subfamily has larger representatives than the big cat subfamily. For example, the puma, which is classified as a small cat, is larger than the leopard, which is classified as a big cat.
Differences
One of the seemingly minor differences between the groups is the structure. In large cats it consists of cartilage, while in small cats this part of the base of the tongue is completely ossified. Perhaps it is precisely because of this feature that the first cats can growl, and the second ones can purr while inhaling and exhaling.
There are some differences in behavior. eat while lying down, and little ones - sitting or standing (remember your
Another difference is the shape the pupil takes in bright light. In small cats it becomes narrow, like a slit, and in large cats it narrows, but remains round.
As we can see, there are no significant differences between the subfamilies.
Habitats
Cats are found literally all over the planet. They are able to adapt to almost any terrain and climate. However, wild cats are absent from continents such as Australia and Antarctica. They are also absent on such large islands as Greenland, Madagascar and New Guinea.
Both subfamilies are widespread in Russia, with a total of nine species: snow leopard, Amur tiger, lynx, Bengal cat, house (reed cat), forest cat, steppe cat and manul cat.
That's all for today about the cat family. The photo located just above shows you a snow leopard ( snow leopard), living in our country.