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Cats are predators. General characteristics of the cat family

Felids are the most typical predators of the entire order; They occupy the top of many food pyramids. The family includes 37 species (including domestic cats), living on five continents of the world. The domestication of cats began 4000-7000 thousand years ago in the Middle East, where people tolerated the Libyan wild cats roaming around their settlements ( Felis silvestris libyca), since they often hunted rodents that ravaged the granaries of local residents. The ancient Egyptians worshiped the cat as a deity; These predators first came to Europe about 2000 years ago.

The evolution of cats, which began in the early Eocene, dates back about 40 million years. Modern cat species descend from a single ancestor PSeudailurus; in the Oligocene (38-26 million years ago) and at later stages, large saber-toothed cats and wild cats that survived to this day separated from this ancestral branch. Saber-toothed cats became extinct relatively recently, in the Pleistocene (20-10,000 years ago), during the last ice age.

All cats have inherited the same adaptive structural features from their common ancestor, such as a blunt, flattened muzzle, large eyes, retractable claws and large, sensitive ears. Color variations of the main reddish-brown color and patterns on cat skins play the role of camouflage, since three-quarters of all cats lead a solitary lifestyle, living in dense forests. Cats are characterized by a wide variety of patterned colors, which vary from stripes to small spots collected in rosettes.

All cats are included in the IUCN and CITES lists as species that are more or less threatened with extinction in the wild. The survival of wild cats is affected by factors such as habitat reduction and extermination by hunters or poachers. Preventing the extinction of these magnificent animals is still one of the most important tasks of conservationists.

Classification of cats

Living cats today, along with hyenas, mongooses and civets, represent the so-called feline branch of the phylogenetic tree of the order of carnivores. The connection between these animals became obvious after scientists discovered the anatomical feature that unites them - a bony septum in the auditory tympanum. This specific trait is absent in canines, which belong to another major branch of the order Carnivora. To date, the fact of the historical divergence of these groups has received a lot of scientific evidence based on the study of the morphological and genetic characteristics of different species.

Analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA gave scientists a clearer understanding of the taxonomy of felids at the subfamily level. Comparative genetic studies have led to the classification of various cat species into three main subfamilies, corresponding to ocelots (includes 7 species), domestic cats (7 species) and panthers (23 species). In addition, genetic analysis has shown that all felids can be divided into eight monophyletic groups. Two of them are represented by the families of ocelots and domestic cats, and the panther group is divided into six monophyletic groups: the panther genus, the lynx genus, the Asian leopard cat group, the caracal group, the Kalimantan cat group and the puma group (which also includes cheetahs). Two species - the serval and the red-spotted cat - are still not classified in either of these categories. Probably the division of all Felidae into the eight indicated groups reflects the generic classification of felines.

Senses and instincts

All cats have large eyes and color binocular vision. During the day, they see no worse than people, and when the light levels decrease, their visual acuity increases six times. The cat's eye quickly adapts to sudden darkness, since the muscles of the iris effectively respond to any changes in light. The image of an object becomes even more clear thanks to the reflective layer (tapetum lucidum), located deep in the eye, behind the receptive layer of the retina. Light passes through the receptor layer and reactivates its receptors after reflection from the tapetum lucidum.

Cats are also distinguished by exceptionally acute hearing, which is ensured by the large size of their auricle, which well directs sound waves into the inner ear.

The ability of cats to land on their feet in any situation is well known. When a fall occurs, the vestibular system of the inner ear, which senses signals about the cat's position and posture, interacts with vision to provide the animal with information about their spatial orientation. The neck muscles turn the head so that it is in a natural horizontal position, and the cat's body quickly orients itself in the same direction.

Structure of the skull and dental system

Cat skulls are small in size and characterized by a short facial part; this feature is due to the reduction of the nasal cavity and jaws. Dental formula of cats: I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2, M1/1 = 30. The exception is lynxes and manulas, which lack the first upper premolars, as a result of which the total number of teeth is reduced to 28. Molars and premolars are perfectly adapted for squeezing and tearing prey. The upper carnassial tooth performs two functions: its sharp edge makes it possible to cut dense tissues, and with the help of a rather wide anterior tubercle, animals can gnaw bones. The fangs of cats (especially clouded leopards) are very large - predators use them to grab and kill their prey, the jaws can only move in a vertical direction; they are equipped with powerful chewing muscles that provide cats with a strong grip. The absence of chewing molars is compensated by a tongue covered with sharp papillae, thanks to which cats can hold and grind food, as well as strip meat from killed animals. Each subfamily has its own specific arrangement of papillae.

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. Felids are found in all terrestrial habitats except 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 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 living conditions 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 in 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' coats are longer where environmental temperatures tend to be low (such as 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. Large changes 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, cats' bellies are usually light in color, and the face, 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 capture and hold large prey. 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 of sexual behavior: greater, less need for males to compete with each other, as well as 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 the 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, breeding is not seasonal, but in areas with extreme climatic conditions or variable prey, births occur at the most favorable times 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 teach kittens the necessary hunting techniques. Kittens spend most of their time playing “role-playing games,” which help develop hunting skills. Despite the fact that lions experience infanticide on the part of strange 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 the wild, high mortality rates occur among young, usually due to predation. In captivity, deaths have been reported due to stillbirth, cannibalism, maternal neglect, hypothermia and birth 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 are nocturnal, their activity peaks 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 whiskers, located above the eyes, near the nose, on the chin, paws, ankles and tail, play an 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 those 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 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 the forested habitat of Florida cougars. However, bobcats, which typically hunt small mammals, may 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. Traditional medicines may include feline by-products, but their effectiveness has not yet been proven. Although international trade in wild cats and their by-products is illegal, domestic trade continues in some countries to this day. Large cats are 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 the Sundarbans National Park, India, where the densest mangrove forests are located, several dozen people are killed by tigers every year.

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 as a result of natural disasters, epidemics, and inbreeding. According to the IUCN Red List, most species in 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 the extinction of large numbers of 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 an action plan for the conservation of big cats, which consists of a list of 105 "priority projects". The "overall conservation plan" included a range of actions that were thought to help conserve all species. Since 1996, the IUCN team has helped launch numerous research efforts aimed at achieving the conservation goals set out in the 1996 Conservation Plan. In 2004, a team of specialists created a “digital cat library” that contains more than 6,000 “articles and reports relevant to the conservation of wild cats,” and in 2005, the first successful captive breeding of Iberian lynxes was made, serving as a giant symbolic leap in a long journey conservation of feline species.

Classification of modern species

Subfamily Big cats (Pantherinae)

Genus	View
Clouded leopards (Neofelis)	(Neofelis nebulosa)
Clouded leopards (Neofelis)	(Neofelis diardi)
Panthers (Panthera)	(Panthera leo)
	(Panthera tigris)
	(Panthera pardus)
	(Panthera onca)
Uncia	(Panthera uncia or Uncia uncia)- formerly belonged to the genus of panthers

Subfamily Small cats (Felinae)

Genus	View
Cheetahs (Acinonyx)	(Acinonyx jubatus)
Caracal (Caracal)	(Caracal caracal)
Caracal (Caracal)	(Caracal aurata)
Catopumas (Catopuma)	(Catopuma badia)
Catopumas (Catopuma)	(Catopuma temmincki)
Cats (Felis)	Chinese cat (Felis bieti)

It's hard to believe, but one of the most formidable predators in the world, a lion, and a small kitten belong to the same cat family. They are easily identified by their natural grace, retractable claws, and short, flattened muzzle.

Tiger – striped perfection

This is the largest wild cat in the world. In size, the tiger is second only to the bear. The weight of a tiger can reach 250 kg, height at the withers up to 1.15 cm. The body length of an adult predator is more than 3 meters. The largest tiger was killed in the middle of the last century in India, its weight was 388 kg. Currently, only six subspecies remain, the habitat of which is concentrated in Asia.

A strong, muscular, elongated body, a more developed front part, a round head with a convex skull and a bright striped color - this is a brief portrait of a tiger. The most common color is red (of varying intensity) with black stripes, but there are also individuals with white and gold colors. Such unusual colors are associated with genetic violations.

The tiger is a territorial animal and always hunts alone. The feeding territory of one animal is from 300 to 500 km. Tigers rarely quarrel with each other; if the amount of prey decreases, attacks on livestock and people begin. Possessing excellent night vision, the tiger prefers to hunt in the morning or evening. The tiger prefers to follow the tracks of its prey or wait for it in ambush, for example, near a pond. Unlike the lion, the tiger is very concerned about cleanliness; before going out to hunt, he always bathes or rolls out in the snow to fight off the smell that could scare off the prey.

A tiger can attack people if the boundaries of its territory are violated or if the food supply decreases. People are easy prey for this predator.

Now, due to a decrease in population size, such cases occur extremely rarely, and a tiger, when meeting a person, prefers to retreat. But before, attacks by man-eating tigers were recorded more than once. The Bengal tigress is widely known and has killed more than 400 people. It was suggested that a tiger, having tasted human flesh, would continue to prefer this type of prey.

All tiger subspecies are classified as endangered and are listed in the Red Book. Tiger hunting territories are protected by the state. A breed of cat was developed that resembles a miniature tiger, called the Toyger.

Amur (Siberian) tiger

In the photo: the largest wild cat in the world - the Amur tiger.

A serious and beautiful predator, with thicker and longer fur compared to other subspecies. The only one of the tigers that has a layer of fat on its stomach to protect it from the cold. The largest population of these animals lives in the Khabarovsk and Primorsky territories; it numbers about 500 individuals. In neighboring countries, the number of this tiger is very small due to its valuable fur and ingredients valued in eastern alternative medicine.

Even in the last century, the number of Amur tigers was so great that special teams were sent to hunt them. And in less than 50 years, the number of this predator has decreased to 200 individuals. Now, thanks to the efforts of biologists, the population number has increased.

However, at the moment the Amur beauty is under threat of extinction.

Lion is the king of the animals

A dangerous predator who is not alien to nobility and greatness. The weight of a lion can reach 250 kg, and the height at the withers is about 123 cm. The length of the body ranges from 170 to 250 cm. In its structure, a lion is very similar to a tiger. Color varies from dark brown to sand. Lions are the only ones from the family of big wild cats to have a small tassel at the tip of their tail. Females differ from males not only in their smaller size, but also in the absence of a mane, the main decoration of a lion. It's not for nothing that they call him gentleman of the world of predators. His proud, majestic demeanor and noble warning about the start of the hunt with a royal roar make one admire and admire this animal from afar.

They are the only ones from the family of big wild cats that do not live alone, but in peculiar families - prides. Typically, a pride includes females, cubs up to three years old and several males. The pride is led by a leader, an experienced and strong male. During the hunt, females usually serve as beaters, while males wait in ambush. It is almost impossible for an outside lion to get into the pride; an exception is made only in the case of a female vacancy. As a rule, the number of prides is the same and is regulated, obviously, depending on the food supply.

The lion's extant range is in Africa, with a small population in India.

Leopard (panther) - the most insidious of wild cats of prey

A dangerous and unpredictable predator from the cat family. In terms of jaw power, it is not inferior to its larger counterparts, the tiger and lion, although it is not as impressive in size. The height at the withers of an adult leopard is no more than 80 cm, and its weight is up to 100 kg. The body length is from 120 to 195 cm. The body of this animal is elongated, light, somewhat compressed at the sides. The leopard has very beautiful spotted fur, thanks to which the leopard population has greatly depleted.

It climbs trees well, although it prefers to hunt on the ground. An excellent swimmer, he easily overcomes water obstacles and does not disdain fish. It can sit in ambush for a long time and lie in wait for prey. The natives of the area where leopards live are much more afraid of them than of their larger relatives. They are able to attack from trees too quickly and unexpectedly and misfires rarely occur. Leopards drag their prey up a tree to protect it from other predators. These predators hunt at night and always alone.

The black-colored individuals that appear in litters, called panthers, are considered more aggressive than the normally colored leopard. They received this coloring from the increased content of the hormone melatonin.

Jaguar - America's largest wild cat

This predatory inhabitant of the jungles of Central and South America is very similar to a leopard, but much more massive and larger. Height at the withers is 63-76 cm, and weight is approximately 90 kg. The body length of a jaguar can reach 185 cm. This representative of the felines is a solitary hunter, and both males and females carefully guard their territory from their own kind and from other predators. Only during weddings do jaguars gather in packs; fights between males rarely occur - the female makes the choice. She also raises the kittens until they are old enough to defend their territory.

The jaguar's prey can include caimans, crocodiles, peccaries, snakes, turtles, monkeys and other small and not so small inhabitants of the jungle and reservoirs. This predator does not disdain livestock either. Cases of attacks on people are rare.

In many countries, the jaguar is listed in the Red Book and hunting it is strictly prohibited. In others, such as Mexico, limited shooting is permitted.

Puma (mountain lion)

America's second largest predatory wild cat. The height at the withers is 60-90 cm, the body length is up to 180 cm, and the weight is no more than 100 kg. The body of the puma is elongated, the legs are short, strong, the hind legs are more massive. The head is small. The color of pumas ranges from reddish to gray.

Cougars are found in almost all types of terrain: in the mountains, in forests and on the plains. The cougar is a solitary night hunter and its prey is numerous ungulates; it does not disdain birds, fish and insects. This predator does not distinguish between wild herbivores and livestock and eagerly kills those that come to hand. Moreover, the cougar often kills more animals than it can eat. There are known cases of attacks on people. As a rule, children or short people walking alone are attacked.

Despite the incessant hunting and narrowing of the habitat, the population of pumas is sufficient and large, since this predator easily adapts to other living conditions.

Pumas are found throughout South America, the western regions of North America and the Yucatan.

An unusually beautiful leopard with smoky gray fur with black spots. The snow leopard lives high in the mountains and occasionally descends to the foot, following the migration of ungulate herbivores. In appearance, this strong cat resembles a leopard, but is squat and smaller. The body of the snow leopard is stretched, slightly raised in the sacrum area. The height of the withers is no more than 60 cm, and the body length ranges from 103 to 130 cm. The main habitat of the snow leopard is South and Central Asia.

The snow leopard rarely attacks humans or livestock. This can only happen if the cubs are protected. Snow leopards live in pairs and hunt and raise their young together.

They feed, train and raise their young, and the female mercilessly plucks fur from her belly to insulate her den.

Currently, there are no more than 7 thousand snow leopards worldwide. Unfortunately, snow leopards practically do not reproduce in captivity, so the population of these magnificent animals continues to decline. It is almost impossible to meet this rare endangered species in the wild; the snow leopard carefully avoids people.

Cheetah is the fastest cat of prey

The cheetah intricately combines both canine and feline features. A short body, long slender legs, like a canine, but the paws, color and ability to climb trees are from cats. Scientists have long raised the cheetah as a separate species of large cat, but according to the latest molecular studies, the cheetah still belongs to the subfamily of small cats. And the dimensions of this cat are as follows: height at the withers is up to 75 cm, body length is up to 140 cm, and weight reaches 65 kg. The color of the cheetah is yellow-sand with black dots scattered throughout the skin.

Females, except when raising puppies, hunt alone. And males can form groups, usually consisting of littermates. In such a pack they defend territory and females from other cheetahs. Unlike most cats, they are diurnal predators. Large, flat spaces eliminate the possibility of cover, and cheetahs use a completely different strategy. They approach the victim at a distance of 10 meters and then make a quick dash, the speed of which can reach up to 115 km/h. But cheetahs can move at such a rapid pace for no more than 400 meters. So, if the prey managed to escape, the cheetah will simply rest and go look for a less resourceful victim.

The history of the cheetah and its service to man is interesting. In ancient times, this animal was widely used in hunting wild animals. Devotion, honesty and ingenuity were highly valued by hunters from various countries: Byzantium, France, India and Rus'. Cheetahs were not only excellent beaters, but were also easily tamed and showed great affection for their owners. They were led on leashes, like dogs, and played with without fear of injury. An image of a cheetah (in Rus' they were called pardus) is on the Hagia Sophia. But at some point, perhaps after the arrival of the British in India, who loved to organize sport hunting for cheetahs, they became simply predators.

Unfortunately, cheetah numbers are declining at an alarming rate. The main factor in the disappearance of the population is the plowing of savannas, the natural habitats of cheetahs.

Recently, closely related mixing due to the small number of animals has also joined the causes of extinction. At the moment, there are no more than 4,500 cheetahs in the world.

In custody

Human activities have caused irreparable damage to the population of all wild cats of prey. Some species are lost forever, others are constantly under threat of complete extinction. If this continues, then there will be only one predator left on Earth - man.

The cat family is very careful, mysterious, graceful and unusually attractive animals. Unfortunately, many of them are already listed in environmental books or are even on the verge of extinction; hunting is prohibited. We decided to compose Top 20 most beautiful representatives of the cat family, living throughout the world and occupying a wide variety of habitats. You can also check out the Rating of the most beautiful cat breeds.

In addition, on the site you can see a collection of photographs on the topic: Friendship between man and lion, Friendship between man and tiger.

20. Serval (bush cat)

A predatory mammal of the cat family. Servals are distributed throughout almost the entire territory of Africa, excluding the Sahara, forestsequatorial zone and the extreme south of the mainland (Cape Province). North of the Sahara (Algeria, Morocco) this animal is now extremelyrare, but still quite common in East and West Africa. There are about 14 subspecies. Ninhabit open spaces with bushes and grassy thickets, settling, as a rule, not far from water. TheyThey avoid deserts, dry plains and tropical rainforests, staying on the edges of the latter.It is an object of trade, as its skin is used for fur products; it is also prized in some areas of Africa due toyour meat. It is also exterminated due to attacks on poultry.As a result, in densely populated areas of Africa, the number of servals has dropped noticeably. They are quite easily tamed andcan be kept in captivity as pets. Male servals can mate with ordinary domestic cats, producing hybrids -"savannah".

19. Jaguarundi

A species of predatory mammals, which also includes the genus Puma. Externally, the jaguarundi somewhat resembles a member of the familymustelids or civets: she has an unusually elongated, flexiblethe body has short strong legs and a long thin tail, which overall gives it a resemblance to a weasel or Madagascar fossa.Shows great flexibility in choosing habitats. These cats were found in savannas, in the thorny thickets of chaparral, intropical rainforests. The structural features of the body allow it to easily make its way through thick grass and bushes.Jaguarundi often live near water - in wetlands, along the banks of streams, rivers and lakes. In the mountains they climb to heights of up to3200 m above sea level. secretive animals leading a predominantly solitary lifestyle (except for the mating season).Unlike most felines, jaguarundis are active mainly during the day; their peak activity occurs at 11o'clock in the morning. Jaguarundis are terrestrial animals, but they can climb and swim well. Due to its wide range, this animal is notIt is a protected species, although it has become rare in the southern United States. Little is known about its abundance and ecology.

Wild cat of southeast Asia: in the eastern Himalayas, Sumatra and Borneo. Marbled cats are slightly larger than domestic cats. Their length is about 55 cm, not including the 50 cm tail. The fur pattern resembles a clouded leopard. Their immediate habitat is tropical forests. Being a nocturnal hunter, the marbled cat feeds on rodents, especially from the squirrel family, toads, birds and insects. Unlike the Bengal cat living on the ground, it moves mainly in the branches of trees, and thus both species do not pose much competition to each other. Hunting it is prohibited in Bangladesh, China (only in Yunnan province), India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand.

A wild small cat from the genus of Asian cats. A close relative of the Bengal cat. The smallest representative of the cat genus. Lives only in India and Sri Lanka. The species is endangered as there are fewer than 10,000 adults in the speciesrepresentatives with a constant decline due to changes in their natural habitat.Ceylon rusty cats live in tropical forests, while the Indian population inhabits dry, open areas.Rusty cats are nocturnal and solitary. Their behavior is very close to that of the Bengal cat. To theirprey includes mice, lizards and insects. Despite their ability to climb trees well, cats are rusty most of the time.usually carried out on the ground.

16. Cheetah

A predatory mammal of the cat family, the fastest land animal. Noticeably different from other representatives of the cat family. The body is slender,with developed muscles and practically no fat deposits, it even seems fragile. The claws are partially retractable, which is not typical for cats, exceptThe cheetah is observed only in the fishing cat, Sumatran and Iriomotean cats. Cheetahs are diurnal predators. They are huntingmainly on small ungulates: gazelles, impalas, wildebeest calves, as well as hares. Three cheetahs can defeat an ostrich.87% of the cheetah's prey is Thomson's gazelle. Cheetahs usually hunt early in the morningor in the evening, when it is no longer very hot, but still quite light. They navigate more by sight than by smell. Unlike other cats,Cheetahs hunt by stalking prey rather than by ambush. In pursuit of the victim, it reaches speeds of up to 110-115 km/h, accelerating to 75 km/h in2 seconds. In Africa, the cheetah is the weakest of the large predators. Hyenas, leopards and lions can take prey from cheetahs,taking advantage of the fact that a cheetah needs up to half an hour to rest after a chase. The cheetah only eats animals that it has killed.himself, sometimes drags prey into the bushes,to hide it from predators and eat it later, but more often it hunts anew each time.

The margay is sometimes kept as a domestic cat in South America. Forest margays differ from ordinary pets in their strong, long legs, and in addition, they are somewhat larger. The length of the cat without a tail is about 60 centimeters. They are also called a smaller copy of an ocelot. But the margay's tail is special - it is two-thirds the length of the entire cat, it is decorated with stripes and rings. This is why the margay is also called a long-tailed cat. It balances with its tail, moving in the crowns along thin branches. It lives in trees and finds its prey there. Just like an ordinary cat, the margay hunts lizards or small birds. The only one of all cats, the margay can twist its ankles 180 degrees and climb a tree just like a squirrel - up or down. Due to deforestation and the zeal of hunters, margays are becoming increasingly rare, and are already recognized as an endangered animal. Alas, they reproduce very poorly in zoos.

A wild cat of the genus Catopum that lives in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Previously, it was classified as a member of the now abolished genus of golden cats. Today it is believed that its similarity to the African golden cat is based on convergent evolution. The species is named after the Dutch zoologist Konrad Temminck. More than twice the size of a normal domestic cat. Its length is 90 cm, not counting its tail, which is 50 cm long. The Temminck cat's range stretches from the Himalayas and southern China to the Indochina Peninsula, and it is also found in Sumatra. Inhabits forest biotopes. Due to deforestation and hunting, the Temminka cat has become a rare animal. In China, its meat is considered a delicacy, and its bones are used in traditional Chinese medicine. In Thailand, there are a lot of legends around her, according to one of which it is believed that burning the fur of the Temminka cat drives tigers away from the surrounding area, and carrying at least one hair from her fur, according to local superstitions, protects against tiger attacks.

A predatory mammal from the cat family, common in Central America, northern and centralparts of South America. The northernmost region inhabited by ocelots is the American state of Texas. Its population is concentrated inThe ocelot avoids tropical forests and open spaces. Ocelots live solitary lives and hunt primarily at night. DuringDuring the heat of the day they like to hide in tree hollows. Despite their excellent ability to climb trees and rocks, they huntearth. Ocelots' prey includes mainly small mammals and birds, howeversometimes they do not disdain snakes. The largest specimens of the ocelot also overpower small donkeys and pigs.Due to intensive hunting for it, the ocelot has become an extremely rare animal in our time. Thanks to the new interstateAgreements prohibit ocelot hunting, as well as the sale of any products made from ocelots.

A member of the cat family, living in Southeast Asia. It vaguely resembles a leopard and is considereda rather ancient species, as well as a possible ancestor of the current large cats. Its value corresponds approximatelythe size of a shepherd dog. The clouded leopard is found in southeast Asia: from southern China to Malacca and from the eastern Himalayas toVietnam. The subspecies found in Taiwan has become extinct. Its biotopeare tropical and subtropical forests located at altitudes up to 2000 meters. They live alone and move around usuallyin the thickets. The long tail helps them maintain balance in difficult environments. Among felines, smokyLeopards are the best at climbing trees. They are also good swimmers. Their prey includesdeer, wild boars, monkeys, birds, goats, reptiles. They wait for their victims on branches and suddenly jump on top of them.Because of its precious skin, the clouded leopard has been hunted a lot in the past. Today it is threatened by poaching, butthe greatest danger to its preservationrepresents the progressive deforestation of the tropical forests that are its home.

Species of the cat family. The sand cat is distinguished by the smallest size among wild cats: its body length is 65-90 cm,with 40% occupied by the tail. The feet are covered with hard fur, which protects the soles of the paws from burns from hot sand.The fur is thick and soft, protecting the body from low night temperatures. The range of the sand cat looks like a stripe startingin the Sahara (Algeria, Morocco, Chad, Niger) and across the Arabianpeninsula to Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan) and Pakistan. Lives exclusively in hot, dry climatesareas. Its habitats are very diverse, from sandy deserts. Dune cats are strictly nocturnal.Only the Pakistani subspecies is active mainly at dusk in winter and early spring. They escape from the heat of the day inshelters - in old burrows of foxes, corsacs, porcupines, as well as in expanded burrows of gophers and gerbils.Cats are carnivores; Their diet includes almost all the game they can find. It is based on gerbils,jerboas and other small rodents, lizards, spiders and insects. Sometimes tolai hares and birds whose nests are destroyed.The sand cat is also known for its hunting of poisonous snakes (horned viper, etc.). In winter it sometimes approaches villages,but does not attack domestic cats and birds. Dune cats get most of their moisture from food and cando without water. Natural enemies of sand cats are snakes, large birds of prey and jackals.Sometimes they independently dig shallow holes or holes where they hide in case of danger. Palmost devoid of vegetation, to rocky valleys overgrown with bushes. They are not huntedhowever, they are caught for sale. They also suffer from the destruction of their natural habitat.In general, the sand cat is the most “prosperous” species among wild cats.

A predatory mammal of the cat family. He received his second name - Pallas's cat - in honor of the German naturalistPeter Pallas, who discovered the Pallas cat on the coast of the Caspian Sea in the 18th century. Manul is an animal the size of a domestic cat.Pallas's fur is the fluffiest and thickest among cats. Distributed in Central and Central Asia, from South Transcaucasia andwestern Iran to Transbaikalia, Mongolia and Northwestern China. Pallas' cat habitats are characterized by sharply continentalclimate with low winter temperatures and low snow cover; It is most numerous in areas with little snow. InhabitsPallas's cat inhabits steppe and semi-desert areas. Leads a sedentary lifestyle. Active mainly at dusk and early morning; sleeps during the dayin the shelter. The slowest and clumsiest of wild cats. Pallas's cat feeds almost exclusively on pikas and mouse-likerodents, occasionally catches gophers, tola hares, marmots and birds. The Pallas's cat is not adapted to fast running. In case of danger forit is characterized by hiding; he also escapes from enemies by climbingon stones and rocks. An alarmed Pallas' cat emits a hoarse rumbling or sharp snorting sound.Pallas's cat is rare or extremely rare, and its numbers continue to decline. In some places it is on the verge of extinction.included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, in the IUCN Red List with the status of “close to threatened”. Hunting for manulaprohibited everywhere.

A species of mammal of the lynx genus, the northernmost of the cat species; in Scandinavia it is found even beyond the Arctic Circle.It was once quite common throughout Europe, but by the middle of the 20th century it was exterminated in most countries of Central Europe.and Western Europe. Successful attempts have now been made to revive the lynx population. Preference is given to deaf dark conifersforests, taiga, although it is found in a wide variety of plantations, including mountain forests; sometimes enters the forest-steppe and forest-tundra.She climbs trees and rocks very well and swims well.She also survives well in the snow (in the Arctic Circle), catching fur-bearing animals. When there is an abundance of food, the lynx lives sedentary, whendisadvantage - wanders. It can travel up to 30 kilometers per day. The basis of its diet is hares. She alsoconstantly hunts grouse birds, small rodents, and less often small ungulates, such as roe deer, musk deer, spotted andreindeer, occasionally attacks domestic cats and dogs, and also attacks foxes, raccoon dogs and other small animals.According to Russian zoologist Mikhail Kretschmar, there is not a single confirmed case of a lynx attacking a person.Moreover, the lynx is known as one of the most easily tamed animals.

A predatory mammal of the cat family. For a long time, the caracal was classified as a lynx, which it resembles in appearance, but a number ofgenetic characteristics separated it into a separate genus. Despite this, the caracal is closer to lynxes than other cats.Although the caracal looks like a lynx, its morphological characteristics are closest to the puma. The caracal is also close to the Africanserval, with which it interbreeds well in captivity. Found in savannas, deserts and foothills of Africa, in the deserts of Arabiapeninsula, Asia Minor and Central Asia. It is rare in the CIS: it is found in the deserts of Southern Turkmenistan, along the coastThe Caspian Sea reaches the Mangyshlak Peninsula, in the east it sometimes appears in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan.The caracal is active mainly at night, but in winter and spring it also appears during the day. Its shelters are rock crevices andporcupine and fox holes; sometimes they are used for several years in a row. Rodents (gerbils,jerboas, ground squirrels), tolai hares, partly small antelopes, and in Turkmenistan - goitered gazelles. Sometimes it catches hedgehogs, porcupines,reptiles, insects, small predatory animals such as foxes andmongoose, young ostriches. Can abduct poultry and attack lambs and goats. Caracals are easy to tame. In Asia(India, Persia) with tame caracals they hunted hares, pheasants, peacocks and small antelopes. In Africa, especially South,The caracal is quite common and is considered a pest. There is a special culture of caracal hunting: it is lured with instruments,imitating the cry of a wounded hare or mouse, and at night they shoot from under the headlights. In addition, in South Africa, caracals are usedto drive away birds (mostly guinea fowl) from the runways of military airfields.Asian subspecies of caracal are much rarer.

7. Leo

A species of predatory mammals, one of four representatives of the panther genus, belonging to the subfamily of big catsas part of the cat family. Is the second largest living cat after the tiger -the weight of some males can reach 250 kg. The historical range of the lion was much wider than the modern one - even in the earlyIn the Middle Ages, the lion was found throughout Africa, except for deserts and tropical forests, and it could also be seenin the Middle East, Iran and even in a number of places in southern Europe (for example, it lived in part of the territory of modern southern Russia,rising to approximately the 45th parallel north). In Northern and Northwestern India, the lion was a common predator. HoweverHuman persecution and habitat destruction have meant that in Africa the lion remains only south ofSahara, its range is currently disrupted. In Asia, a small population exists in the Gir Forest (in the Indian stateGujarat). Lions are a vulnerable species due to an irreversible decline in their population. For the last twodecades, the number of lions in Africa has decreased by 30-50%. Populations are vulnerable outside protected areas.The cause of the decline is not fully understood, but the biggest threats are habitat loss and conflict with a person.

6. Black Panther

The name of dark-colored individuals of a number of species of large cats, which are a genetic variant of coloration - a manifestationmelanism, caused by a gene mutation and is characteristic almost exclusively of females. An example of a strong mutation spread,which leads to melanism, in the cat population, is the populationleopard in Malaysia, where about 50% of animals are black in color.The black panther is not an independent species. Most often it is a leopard or jaguar. The existence of melanistic pumasnot confirmed. The word "panther" is often applied not only to individuals with a black color, but also to others with a normal color(reddish or spotted), even white - the so-called “white panthers”.

5. Jaguar

Big cats. The only representative of the genus in North and South America. The third largest in the world, and the mosta large representative of the cat family in the New World. The species range extends from Mexico south to Paraguay and northArgentina. The main habitats of the jaguar are tropical rain forests and grasslands. Jaguars have a solitary lifestyle.The jaguar is a crepuscular predator. His most active hunting hours are after sunset and beforeat dawn. Its main prey are capybaras and ungulates such as mazama deer, peccaries and tapirs, but it also attacks birds,monkeys, foxes, snakes, rodents. The jaguar also hunts turtles - its powerful jaws are capable of biting through their shell. In contrastfrom the puma, the jaguar willingly and often attacks livestock. The predator is an excellent swimmer and rarely misses a prey that is looking forrescue in water. He also digs out of the sand on the ocean coastturtle eggs, sometimes rushes at sleeping alligators or snatches fish from the water. Throughout much of its former rangethis species is almost or completely exterminated. Human changes in the natural habitats of jaguars and fishing played a rolefor the sake of valuable skins, as well as shooting by cattle breeders who feared for the safety of their herds.The jaguar is listed in the International Red Book and is protected in many countries. Shooting of jaguars in limited quantitiesallowed in Brazil, Mexico and some other countries. Hunting for trophies is allowed in Bolivia.

4. Leopard

In the 20th century, it was included in the IUCN Red Book, the Red Book of Russia, as well as in the protection documents of other countries. However, in many African countries, the relatively high number of leopards makes it possible to allocate an annual quota for their production. A large cat, however, is significantly smaller in size than a tiger and a lion. The leopard's range is wider than that of any other member of the cat family, with the exception of the domestic cat. The plasticity of the species is explained by its secretive lifestyle and its ability to hunt a wide variety of animals. The range of the leopard in the Caucasus by the middle of the 20th century had declined catastrophically, its numbers are negligible, and in fact this subspecies is on the verge of complete extinction. Inhabits forest, partly forest-steppe regions, savannas and mountainous regions of Africa and the southern Anterior and southern half of East Asia. The leopard feeds mainly on ungulates: antelopes, deer, roe deer and others, and during periods of starvation - rodents, monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Sometimes attacks domestic animals (sheep, horses). Like a tiger, he often kidnaps dogs; Foxes and wolves suffer from it. It does not disdain carrion and steals prey from other predators, including other leopards. The number of leopards throughout their range is steadily declining. The main threat to it is associated with changes in natural habitats and a reduction in food supply. The main concern is the poaching of animals for the needs of oriental medicine.

3. Puma (mountain lion, cougar)

Species of the cat family. The word "puma" comes from the Quechua language. The puma's closest relatives are the jaguarundi and the extinct North American genus Miracinonyx. The cougar is the second largest feline in the Americas; The only thing bigger than her is the jaguar. Historically, the cougar's range was the largest of any land mammal in the Americas. Even now, in terms of the breadth of its distribution, the puma is comparable (among the felines) only to the red lynx, forest cat and leopard. Pumas were originally found almost everywhere from southern Patagonia to southeastern Alaska; the area of its distribution coincided quite accurately with the area of its main prey - various deer. Nowadays, in the United States and Canada, the puma remains mainly in the mountainous western regions. In eastern North America, the puma was completely exterminated; the exception is the tiny population of the subspecies Puma concolor coryi in Florida. Cougars lead a strictly solitary lifestyle. The puma hunts mainly at night. Its diet consists mainly of ungulates: black-tailed, white-tailed, pampas deer, elk, elk, caribou, bighorn sheep and livestock. However, the cougar can feed on a wide variety of animals - from mice, squirrels, opossums, rabbits, muskrats, porcupines, Canadian beavers, raccoons, skunks, armadillos to coyotes, bobcats and other cougars. They also eat birds, fish and even snails and insects. Unlike tigers and leopards, the puma does not distinguish between wild and domestic animals, attacking livestock, dogs, cats and birds when the opportunity arises. At the same time, she slaughters more animals than she can eat. Although cougars are hunted and their range is shrinking due to environmental destruction, most subspecies are quite numerous because cougars are easily adapted to life in different landscapes. It is also interesting to note that some people have now begun to tame pumas as their pets.

2. Snow leopard (irbis or snow leopard)

A large predatory mammal from the cat family that lives in the mountains of Central Asia.Weighs up to 55 kg. Due to the inaccessibility of the habitat and the low density of the species, manyaspects of its biology. Currently, the number of snow leopards is catastrophically small; in the 20th century it was included in the Red BookIUCN, in the Red Book of Russia, as well as in the protection documents of other countries. As of 2012, hunting snow leopards is prohibited.The snow leopard's range in central and southern Asia covers approximately 1,230,000 km² of mountainous regions andextends through the territory of the following countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bhutan, China, India,Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.The snow leopard is a characteristic representative of the fauna of the high rocky mountains of Central and Central Asia. Among the big catsThe snow leopard is the only permanent inhabitant of the highlands. It predominantly inhabits alpine meadows, treelessrocks, rocky areas, rocky outcrops, steep gorges and often found in snowy areas. Active at dusk, but sometimes during the day.The snow leopard is able to cope with prey three times its mass.The main prey of the snow leopard almost everywhere and all year round is ungulates. It should be noted that due to the constantDue to human persecution, the number of snow leopards is continuously declining.

1. Tiger

A species of predatory mammals of the cat family, one of four representatives of the panther genus, which belongs to the subfamilybig cats. Among the representatives of this species there are the largest animals of the cat family. Tiger is one oflargest land predators, second in mass only to the white and brown bears. Nine subspecies of tiger have been identified.In the 20th century, it was included in the IUCN Red Book, the Red Book of Russia, as well as in the protection documents of other countries.As of 2012, tiger hunting is banned worldwide. The tiger is an exclusively Asian species. Historical range of the tiger(now strongly dissected into separate populations, sometimes very distant from one another) is located on the territory of the FarEastern Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, China, India and Southeast Asian countries, including the Sunda Archipelago(Indonesian Islands). In the wild, tigers mainly feed on ungulates, sometimes they can hunt domestic animals,such as dogs, cows, horses and donkeys. Throughout its range, the tiger is the top of the food pyramid and almostdoes not experience competition from other predators.

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 see in the dark six times better than a person.

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, the 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 the African savannas. Lions live in families or prides. Only females hunt, often in groups. Of the entire cat family, lions are the tallest.

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 largest 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; their population in Africa has declined by 40% in recent decades.

Liger

Interesting features of this unusual species:

the liger Hercules was listed as the largest cat on Earth;
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.

A leopard is a large cat, smaller than a tiger or 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.

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.

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 of Central Asia. They live alone in mountain caves, travel a lot, do not show aggression towards people, attacks are rare.

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. It lives in North and South America, hunts deer, and leads a solitary lifestyle.

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 quickly gets tired.

Pumas are constantly hunted, but due to their adaptability to different living 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.

Distinctive features of the 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 tamable.

The number of these predators is falling; according to the latest information, no more than 4,500 cheetahs remain.

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 and protect these incredible creatures, treat them with respect and not harm them.

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