Cats

African lion:  Lions are the only cat to live in a social grouping called a pride.  Most cats are solitary.   The male lion’s mane probably helps in fights with other males.  It helps to protect the throat and neck, and also makes the lion look bigger and more intimidating.   The females of a pride hunt as a team.  Some lions hide in the grass, and others work together to herd the prey towards them.  Even though team hunting is more effective than hunting alone, lions are only successful in one out of six hunting attempts.   Lions follow their prey as it migrates.  They may defend temporary territories along the way.

Puma: With a range spanning two continents, many cultures and languages, and a variety of habitats, it is no wonder that the puma is referred to by a multitude of different names. Puma (its Peruvian name) is the preferred name since it cannot be confused with other cat species. Also, the name puma does not limit the cat to one type of habitat as the name mountain lion does. Some of the more common names used for this widely distributed species include panther, painter, catamount (for cat of the mountain), cougar, Mexican lion, American lion, and deer tiger.

 

 

Bobcat: This small adaptable feline is found from Southern Canada throughout the United States including Southwest Kansas, and south into Central Mexico. Like most other cats, bobcats are solitary except for females with kittens.


 

Jaguar: Like most cats, jaguars are solitary.  Adults establish territories, which they defend against intruders.  A male’s territory may overlap the territories of several females, but they rarely meet except for breeding.  They are probably the most water loving of cats – they stay close to bodies of water, and are often seen swimming.  Jaguars used to be common in the southwest United States , but were driven out by habitat loss and over-hunting (livestock reduced available wild prey and jaguars were forced to prey on livestock to survive).  They are often thought to be a threat to livestock, but healthy jaguars seem to prefer wild prey.  They are now protected by the Endangered Species Act and CITES.

 

Amur Leopard: With a 20ft. horizontal leap, a 10ft. vertical bound, and sharp claws this leopard is well adapted for climbing trees. It is through these adaptations that the leopard will occasionally haul its prey to a nearby tree so that it may eat in peace, or save a portion for another meal. Once the cat decides to leave the tree it is capable of descending head first. Although the leopard is capable of swimming, it is not particularly fond of water. Such strong legs have enabled this cat to reach top speeds of 37mph. Primarily nocturnal, and socially solitary Amur leopards can be found together during breeding and rearing season.

 

Photo by Charles Blair

Snow Leopard:  The snow leopard is often called the “phantom cat”, because of its camouflage and elusiveness.      Snow leopards are very adapted to their cold, rocky habitat.  Their long, furred tail can be wrapped around the body to provide warmth when resting.  Thick pads of hair on their paws protect them from the cold ground, and also act like snowshoes to keep them from sinking into the snow. Snow leopards have very large territories, because prey is so scarce in their mountainous habitats.  They use scent glands near their tails to mark their territories.  They hunt by hiding, stalking, and ambushing their prey.  They are not good at long chases, so they need rocky terrain where they can hide easily.  Snow leopards can leap up to 50 feet.