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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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