Big Cats: Magnificent Creatures

There are eight species of big cats in the world.

Tiger  

The biggest of the cats, tigers can reach 13 feet in total length and weigh up to 660 lbs. Known for their stripes and great size.

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Historical range is from the Middle East to the Caucuses in the North and most of South and East Asia. There are nine modern subspecies of Tigers, three of which are now considered extinct. The surviving species are: Bengal tiger, Indochinese tiger, Malayan tiger, Sumatran tiger, Siberian tiger

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and the South China tiger. All are considered endangered in the wild today. The three extinct modern tigers are: Balinese tiger (extinct since 1937), Javan tiger (considered extinct since 1979 but reports of sightings since then still exist) and the Caspian tiger or Persian tiger (extinct since 1970 but reports of sightings still exist). All tigers have the ability to roar and will eat humans.

Lions 

Not Kings of the Jungle but of the Savannah. Lions do not really live in jungles today.

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Up until about 10,000 years ago lions were the most common land mammal on the planet after humans. The second biggest cat living today, lions can be up to 9 feet in length and weigh up to 550 lbs. They can be found in Africa below the Sahara Desert and about 300 lions live in Gir National Park of India. Lions are a threatened species today but due to protected designated reserves and national parks are not in immediate danger of extinction.

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All lions have the ability to roar and will eat humans.

Jaguar 

The third largest of the big cats. Jaguars can measure up to 6 feet in body length and weigh up to 300 lbs. They are largest living cats in the Western Hemisphere.

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Jaguars can be found in the wild today in Mexico, most parts of Central America and throughout most of South America. The jaguar has very powerful jaws which allow it to dine on turtles as they can puncture turtle shells. Jaguars are considered a near endangered species today with their habitats continually being diminished. Jaguars can roar and will eat humans.

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10 Responses to “Big Cats: Magnificent Creatures”

  1. Maria Blazz Says...

    On February 5, 2009 at 6:33 pm

    I love felines but I not very close, haha.


  2. JK Kristie Says...

    On February 6, 2009 at 1:43 am

    Nice post with beautiful pictures.


  3. Joe Dorish Says...

    On February 9, 2009 at 10:03 am

    Yes Maria, not too close to these cats. Prrrrr


  4. Mary K. Says...

    On February 11, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    Loved the Planet Earth series. Great article!


  5. Josee Says...

    On February 11, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    Love my kitty!


  6. Lod Says...

    On February 12, 2009 at 6:09 am

    Last picture is the best.


  7. Alex Says...

    On April 22, 2009 at 10:02 am

    all these animals are beatiful. but, i love the clouded leopard. the color, is pretty. We must respect earth’s wildlife.


  8. lia Says...

    On November 11, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    i adore tigers they are like my fav animal


  9. hunter Says...

    On April 15, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    cougars r bigger than lepards and most of that stuff they say is fake so dont listen to them


  10. Mags Says...

    On April 23, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Says the commenter called “hunter”


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