Unlike most African predators, cheetahs hunt during the daytime.

When they spot prey, they can accelerate faster than most cars: from 0 to 60 miles (96 kilometers) an hour in only three seconds. Photograph by Chris Johns

Big Cats Facts The cheetah is the world's fastest land mammal. It can run at speeds of up to 70 miles an hour (113 kilometers an hour). An adult lion's roar can be heard up to fi e miles (ei!ht kilometers) awa". #on!$ muscular hind le!s enable snow leopards to leap se en times their own bod" len!th in a sin!le bound. A ti!er's stripes are like fin!erprints%no two animals ha e the same pattern. The stron!est climber amon! the bi! cats$ a leopard can carr" pre" twice its wei!ht up a tree. The Amur leopard is one of the most endan!ered animals in the world. In one stride$ a cheetah can co er &3 to &' feet (7 to ( meters). The name )*a!uar) comes from a +ati e American word meanin! )he who kills with one leap.) In the wild$ lions li e for an a era!e of 1& "ears and up to 1' "ears. The" li e up to &, "ears in capti it". The mountain lion and the cheetah share an ancestor. -heetahs do not roar$ as the other bi! cats do. Instead$ the" purr. Ti!ers are e.cellent swimmers and do not a oid water. A female Amur leopard !i es birth to one to four cubs in each litter. /ossil records from two million "ears a!o show e idence of *a!uars. #ions are the onl" cats that li e in !roups$ called prides. 0 er" female within the pride is usuall" related. The leopard is the most widespread of all bi! cats. 1ountain lions are stron! *umpers$ thanks to muscular hind le!s that are lon!er than their front le!s. Ti!ers ha e been hunted for their skin$ bones$ and other bod" parts$ used in traditional -hinese medicine. 2nlike other cats$ lions ha e a tuft of hair at the end of their tails. After humans$ mountain lions ha e the lar!est ran!e of an"

A!"#A# !ackground "nformation

Big cat species live in a variety of habitats ranging from savannas and tropical rain forests to mangrove swamps and boreal forests. Big cat species that have a wide range and live in a variety of habitats include leopards, mountain lions, ocelots, and jaguars. Other big cats, including the Siberian tiger, Bengal tiger, and African lion, have more limited ranges and are adapted to fewer habitat types. Mapping tools and satellite imagery can help scientists to study the ranges and habitat types of big cat populations throughout the world.

T00T3
BAC !"O#$% &$'O (ions are one of the largest big cats and are well adapted to be successful predators. As carnivores, the shape and si)e of their jaws and teeth are designed to help them tear and shred their prey. *heir s+ulls are large and thic+ to support strong jaw muscles and large canine teeth, up to ten centimeters in length. #nli+e humans ,omnivores- and herbivores, lions cannot move their jaws from side to side and they lac+ molars that are suitable for grinding and digesting plant material.

$. Acti%ate students& prior kno'ledge a(out (ig cat predators and their prey. %iscuss with students what they thin+ of when they hear .big cats./ As+0 What pictures or words do you think of when I say "big cat"? What are some types of big cats that you can think of? 1licit from students that big cats include lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and other large predatory cats. %istribute the wor+sheet Big Cats *ooth Comparison and have students e2amine the images of the s+ulls. As+0 What types of animals do you think these are? How do you know?1licit from students that one is a human, one is a meat3eating lion, and the other is a plant3eating ga)elle. *ell students to loo+ at the differences in the shape and si)e of the animals4 teeth and jaws. %iscuss their observations. 12plain that in the wild, the lion is a predator and the ga)elle is its pre". As+0What is prey? 12plain that prey are animals that are hunted and eaten by other animals. As+0What are predators? 12plain that predators are meat3eaters that feed on other animals. *he shape and si)e of a lion4s teeth and jaws help it to be a successful predator. ). a%e students predict ho' their teeth and *a's compare to those of a lion. 5rompt students to list what they ate for brea+fast or lunch. 6rite their responses on the board. As+ volunteers0 Are you a meat eater or a plant eater? 1licit from students that most humans eat both plants and animals. 12plain that an animal that eats a variety of organisms, including plants and animals, is an omni ore. 7umans are omnivores so their mouths are designed to eat both meat and plants. *ell students that they are now going to ma+e predictions about how their teeth and jaws compare to those of a lion. *hey will test their predictions by collecting more information. "ead aloud the wor+sheet directions for 5art 80 5rediction. Allow students time to ma+e their predictions and complete 5art 8. +. a%e students collect more information to test their predictions. %ivide students into small groups. "ead aloud the wor+sheet directions for 5art 90 Observations. 7ave students wor+ in small groups and use mirrors to observe their teeth and mouths so they can s+etch and describe the shape of their teeth. After students have s+etched and described the shape of their front teeth ,incisors-, canine teeth, and bac+ teeth ,molars-, have them measure the si)e of one group member4s canine teeth. 7elp them to correctly identify their canine teeth. 12plain that if they find their two front teeth and go two teeth to the right or left, then they have found their canines. *hen have students compare the si)e of human canine teeth to the si)e of lion canine teeth. 'acilitate students as needed and encourage them to use the reference images provided on their wor+sheets. ,. Use the pro%ided ans'er key to discuss students& o(ser%ations and predictions. After students complete 5art 9 of the wor+sheet, use the provided answer +ey to discuss their findings as a class. As+ students if their predictions were correct. As+0 Is a lion!s "aw bigger than a human!s? Are a lion!s teeth bigger than a human!s? Are all of the lion!s teeth the same shape? How does the shape of a human!s teeth compare to a lion!s? 1licit from students that the lion4s teeth and jaws are much larger than a human4s, but some of the shapes are similar. 'or e2ample, humans and lions both have smaller, smoother front teeth ,incisors- and sharp, pointed canine teeth. 7owever, the shape of a human4s bac+ teeth ,molars- is :uite different from a lion4s. 7umans have bac+ teeth that are rounded and bumpy, and lions have bac+ teeth that are sharp. As+ students to compare the amount of teeth lions and humans have. 12plain that adult lions have ;< teeth and adult humans have between 9= and ;9. As +ids, however, humans only have 9< teeth and they are temporary, or .baby/ teeth. As+ students to compare the si)e ,length- of their canine teeth to those of

lions and adult humans. Adult lion canines are about 8< centimeters long and adult human canines are a little more than 8.> centimeters long. ,. a%e students reflect on similarities and differences (et'een human and lion teeth. 7ave students reflect on what they learned from their observations. *ell students to thin+ about why human teeth are similar to and different from lion teeth. 7ave students share aloud the similarities and differences they observed. 'acilitate the discussion. As+0 Why is the shape of a lion!s back teeth so different from a human!s? 1licit from students that the large si)e and sharp, pointed shape of a lion4s teeth are used to shred and tear the meat they eat. 7umans4 flat, bumpy bac+ teeth are used for grinding up food, especially plant material, such as vegetables, beans, and nuts. As+0 What teeth do we humans use to tear and eat meat? 1licit from students that we use our front teeth and canines to bite down and tear meat. (ions don4t need grinding teeth because they don4t really chew their food. *hey just tear it, brea+ it into smaller chun+s, and swallow it. As+0 How do the shape and si#e of the ga#elle!s "aw and teeth help it eat? Students should be able to e2plain that the ga)elle4s jaw is long and narrow and contains a lot of flat, bumpy teeth li+e human bac+ teeth ,molars-. As+0 $ased on this obser%ation& can you predict what ga#elles eat? 1licit from students that the ga)elle4s teeth are flat and round, and therefore used for grinding up tough plant material li+e grass and shrubs. Students should understand that the shape and si)e of an animal4s teeth and jaw have evolved to help it eat specific types of plant and?or animal material.

-4AT5
!ackground "nformation
*he big cats of Africa and Asia are highly adapted predators. Africa@s lions dominate the savanna. (eopards fill their own niche in the tall grasses and trees. *igers are top predators of Asia@s forests and can even hunt in mangrove swamps. One reason these big cats are so well adapted to their particular habitats is their ability to use camouflage. *he solid, light brown coats of lions, the spotted coats of leopards, and the reddish3tan and striped coats of tigers help each big cat hunt and find protection within its preferred habitat.

$. Acti%ate students& prior kno'ledge a(out (ig cats and their physical features. %iscuss with students what they thin+ of when they hear .big cats./ As+0 What pictures come to mind? What are some types of big cats that you can think of? 1licit from students that big cats include lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and other large predatory cats. Show students the first three websites, which are $ational !eographic photo gallery images of lions, tigers, and leopards. As+0 What types of big cats are these? How do you know? As each image is shown, prompt students to describe the specific physical characteristics of each cat, including the color and pattern of their different coats. 'or e2ample, as+0 What color is the cat!s coat? Are there any patterns on its coat? 'oes it ha%e any patterns on its face? 1licit from students that lions are slightly smaller than tigers and have a mostly solid, light brown coat. Males also have manes that can be colors from light to dar+ brown, almost blac+. *igers are the largest of the big cats. *hey are reddish tan with dar+ stripes. *hey are white on their underside and have white spots above each eye. (eopards are smaller than lions and tigers and are light brown with distinct dar+ spots. ). a%e students identify (ig cats and their roars. As a class, have students e2plore the remaining three websites, which are each big cat4s $ational !eographic Animals page, and practice correctly identifying the animals. Also have students try to predict and ma+e the roaring sound of each big cat. *hen play the audio recording of each from its page and see if students4 predictions were correct. 5lay each recording again and see if they can tell a difference between the roar of the lion, tiger, and leopard. +. a%e students identify and distinguish (et'een the different types of (ig cat ha(itats. 12plain to students that a habitat is the environment where an animal lives throughout the year or for shorter

periods of time. 'or e2ample, the habitat of a whale shar+ is the open oceanA the habitat of a prairie dog is the prairie. As+0 Where do big cats li%e? What is their habitat like? 'o they all li%e in the same type of habitat? 1licit from students that most big cats live throughout parts of Africa and Asia, and their habitats can be very different. Since their habitats are different, big cats loo+ different and use different strategies to survive. Biew each big cat4s $ational !eographic Animals page again and point out the geographic range of each featured big cat ,lion, tiger, leopard-. *hen revisit the $ational !eographic photo gallery images of each big cat and as+ students to describe the habitats they see. 7ave students correctly identify the habitat images as savanna ,grasslands with few trees and large, flat areas of grasses- or forest ,habitats filled with trees and underbrush-. On the left side of a sheet of paper, have students list the terms sa%annaand forest. On the right side, have students list the terms lion& tiger& and leopard. ,. a%e students recall 'hich (ig cat li%es in each of the ha(itats descri(ed. *ell students that they will now recall which big cat lives in each of the habitats described. As+0 What does the term camouflage mean? 1licit from students that many animals use camouflage to help them blend in to their surrounding habitat, or environment. As+0 Ha%e you e%er heard of the term camouflage? Why would an animal need to blend in to its en%ironment? 1licit from students that camouflage helps protect animals from predators and other threats. &t also helps them blend in and go undetected as they hunt. Students may be familiar with camouflage used by hunters or people in the military. &n pairs or small groups, have students use their papers from Step ; and draw a line to match which big cat ,lion, tiger, or leopard- lives in each of the different habitats ,savanna or forest-. 1ncourage them to recall the big cats4 coat colors and patterns to guide them in selecting the correct habitat. 7ave students view the $ational !eographic photo gallery images again. %iscuss student answers and whether or not they correctly matched the habitats to the big cats. 12plain that Africa4s lions live in the grasses of the savannaA African leopards live in the tall grasses and trees of the savannaA and Asian tigers inhabit forests. 12plain that the solid, light brown coat of the lion acts as camouflage and helps it hide in the dry, low3lying grasses of the African savanna. *he tiger4s reddish3tan tone and dar+ stripes help it hide in Asia4s shadowy forest. *he leopard4s light coat with dar+ spots helps it hide in the tall grasses and trees of the African savanna. %iscuss that both lions and leopards live in savanna habitat but, unli+e lions, leopards can climb and live in trees. -. a%e students dra' coats that act as camouflage in their chosen ha(itat. 7ave students review what they learned about the coats of big cats and how coats help big cats survive in different habitats. "emind students that the color and pattern of big cats4 coats acts as camouflage and helps them blend in to the habitats in which they live. *his helps protect animals and helps them hunt. *ell students to imagine the habitat of one of their favorite places. *hey can thin+ about their favorite vacation spot, an activity they li+e to do, or where they go to have fun with their friends or family. *ell them to imagine playing a game of hide3and3see+ in that place. *hey need to design a coat of camouflage that they can wear to hide in the habitat of that place. 5rovide a few e2amples, such as a gray, striped coat to wear while they sit on the couch and watch television, or a blue, wavy3patterned coat to wear while swimming in the ocean. *ell students their drawing must include color and pattern and that they should be ready to describe the te2ture of their coats. On the board, model how to draw a simplified coat ,or t3shirt- shape. 7ave students copy the coat shape onto their own paper. !ive students time to thin+ about and color their coats. *hen have them share their designs with their classmates. *hey must describe their place ,habitat- and e2plain how their coat4s color, pattern, and te2ture ,camouflage- will help them hide in their place.

Threats
!ackground "nformation
*he largest of the big catsClions, tigers, and leopardsClive in parts of Africa and Asia where their populations are in decline, mostly due to human threats. As human populations increase and encroach on big cat habitats, humans and cats are forced to compete for food and space. Additional conflicts include illegal poaching and retaliatory +illings when big cats prey upon livestoc+. *he wor+ of conservationists and projects li+e the Big Cats &nitiative are helping to find solutions to these human3cat conflicts.

$. Acti%ate students& prior kno'ledge a(out (ig cats. %iscuss with students what they thin+ of when they thin+ of .big cats./ As+0 What images come to mind? What types of big cats can you think of? Where do they li%e? 1licit from students that big cats include lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, ocelots, cougars, and other large predatory cats. *he largest of the big catsClions, tigers, and leopardsClive in parts of Africa and Asia. ). a%e students complete an Anticipation . /eaction 0uide and read an article. %istribute a copy of the handout DBig Cats@ Big 5roblemD and the wor+sheet Anticipation E "eaction !uide to each student. "ead aloud the directions. 12plain that students will agree or disagree with the si2 statements in the chart before, during, and after reading the article. Before reading the article, tell students to read the statements in the chart and decide if they agree or disagree. 7ave them write A or % in the M1 column. $e2t, have them discuss the statements in small groups. *ell each group to decide if it agrees or disagrees. 7ave groups write A or % in the !"O#5 column. *ell students they may not all agree, but they must come to a general consensus. 6hile reading the article, have students decide if they agree or disagree based on what they read. 7ave them write A or % in the A"*&C(1 column. After reading the article, have students review the answers in the M1, !"O#5, and A"*&C(1 columns. %iscuss the statements and article as a whole class. Clarify any misconceptions. +. a%e students reflect on and discuss 'hat they learned a(out the decline of (ig cats. #sing what they learned from the article and the discussion, as+ students to list on the board at least three ways human3cat conflicts contribute to the decline of big cat populations. 1licit from students that humans and big cats compete for space and food. *his means that humans and lions come into conflict when human populations increase and encroach on lion habitats, when livestoc+ are +illed by lions, and when lions are poached for sport or retaliation. As+0 Why are big cat species important and why should they be protected? 1licit from students that, as toppredators, big cats are very important species that +eep ecosystems balanced and healthy. As+ students to list two ways researchers and conservationists are wor+ing to address human3cat conflicts and protect big cats. 1licit from students that the wor+ of researchers li+e %r. 5imm is helping us better understand big cat habitat loss, livestoc+ +ills, and poaching. *he wor+ of conservationists and projects li+e the 6i! -ats Initiati e are helping to find solutions to these human3cat conflicts. 12plain that conservation efforts that include education, habitat preservation, legislation, and enforcement measures help protect big cat populations. ,. 12plain ho' students can (ecome in%ol%ed in 3ational 0eographic&s !ig 4ats "nitiati%e. %isplay the $ational !eographic Big Cats &nitiative website. 12plain that the site includes videos, images, and articles that will teach students more about the project and how they can become involved in halting the decline of big cat species throughout the world. 1ncourage students to access the site on their own.

Cheetah Acinony( "ubatus

5harp eyesight and ra' speed make the cheetah a formida(le hunter. *he cheetah is the world@s fastest land mammal. 6ith acceleration that would leave most automobiles in the dust, a cheetah can go from < to F< miles ,GF +ilometers- an hour in only three seconds. *hese big cats are :uite nimble at high speed and can ma+e :uic+ and sudden turns in pursuit of prey. Before unleashing their speed, cheetahs use e2ceptionally +een eyesight to scan their grassland environment for signs of preyCespecially antelope and hares. *his big cat is a daylight hunter that benefits from stealthy movement and a distinctive spotted coat that allows it to blend easily into high, dry grasses. 6hen the moment is right a cheetah will sprint after its :uarry and attempt to +noc+ it down. Such chases cost the hunter a tremendous amount of energy and are usually over in less than a minute. &f successful, the cheetah will often drag its +ill to a shady hiding place to protect it from opportunistic animals that sometimes steal a +ill before the cheetah can eat. Cheetahs need only drin+ once every three to four days. 'emale cheetahs typically have a litter of three cubs and live with them for one and a half to two years. Houng cubs spend their first year learning from their mother and practicing hunting techni:ues with playful games. Male cheetahs live alone or in small groups, often with their littermates. Most wild cheetahs are found in eastern and southwestern Africa. 5erhaps only I,<<< to 8<,<<< of these big cats remain, and those are under pressure as the wide3open grasslands they favor are disappearing at the hands of human settlers. *he cheetah is the world@s fastest 6ap

Cheetah "ange 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore A%erage life span in the 'ild: 8< to 89 years 5i9e: ;.> to J.> ft ,8.8 to 8.J m-A *ail, 9>.> to ;8.> in ,F> to =< cmWeight: II to 8J; lbs ,;> to F> +g:rotection status: Bulnerable 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man:

African (ion
Panthera leo
(ions are the only cats that live in groups, which are called prides. 5rides are family units that may include up to three males, a do)en or so females, and their young. All of a pride@s lionesses are related, and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age. Houng males 6ap eventually leave and establish their own prides by ta+ing over a group headed by another male. Only male lions boast manes, the impressive fringe of long hair that encircles their heads. Males defend the pride@s territory, which may include some 8<< s:uare miles ,9>G s:uare +ilometers- of grasslands, scrub, or open woodlands. *hese intimidating animals mar+ the area with urine, roar menacingly to warn intruders, and chase off animals that encroach on their turf. 'emale lions are the pride@s primary hunters. *hey often wor+ together to prey upon antelopes, )ebras, wildebeest, and other large animals of the open grasslands. Many of these animals are faster than lions, so teamwor+ pays off. After the hunt, the group effort often degenerates to s:uabbling over the sharing of the +ill, with cubs at the bottom of the pec+ing order. Houng lions do not help to hunt until they are about a year old. (ions will hunt alone if the opportunity presents itself, and they also steal +ills from hyenas or wild dogs. (ions have been celebrated throughout history for their courage and strength. *hey once roamed most of Africa and parts of Asia and 1urope. *oday they are found only in parts of sub3Saharan Africa, e2cept for one very small population of Asian lions that survives in &ndia@s !ir 'orest. African (ion "ange Audio 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore 5i9e: 7ead and body, J.> to F.> ft ,8.J to 9 m-A *ail, 9F.9> to ;G.> in ,FI to 8<< cmWeight: 9F> to J9< lbs ,89< to 8G8 +g0roup name: 5ride :rotection status: Bulnerable 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man:

Kaguar
Panthera onca
Kaguars are the largest of South America@s big cats. *hey once roamed from the southern tip of that continent north to the region surrounding the #.S.3Me2ico border. *oday significant numbers of jaguars are found only in remote regions of South and Central AmericaC 6ap particularly in the Ama)on basin. *hese beautiful and powerful beasts were prominent in ancient $ative American cultures. &n some traditions the Kaguar !od of the $ight was the formidable lord of the underworld. *he name jaguar is derived from the $ative American word yaguar, which means Dhe who +ills with one leap.D #nli+e many other cats, jaguars do not avoid waterA in fact, they are :uite good swimmers. "ivers provide prey in the form of fish, turtles, or caimansCsmall, alligatorli+e animals. Kaguars also eat larger animals such as deer, peccaries, capybaras, and tapirs. *hey sometimes climb trees to prepare an ambush, +illing their prey with one powerful bite. Most jaguars are tan or orange with distinctive blac+ spots, dubbed DrosettesD because they are shaped li+e roses. Some jaguars are so dar+ they appear to be spotless, though their mar+ings can be seen on closer inspection. Kaguars live alone and define territories of many s:uare miles by mar+ing with their waste or clawing trees. 'emales have litters of one to four cubs, which are blind and helpless at birth. *he mother stays with them and defends them fiercely from any animal that may approachCeven their own father. Houng jaguars learn to hunt by living with their mothers for two years or more. Kaguars are still hunted for their attractive fur. "anchers also +ill them because the cats sometimes prey upon their livestoc+. 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore A%erage life span in the 'ild: 89 to 8> years 5i9e: 7ead and body, > to F ft ,8.> to 8.= m-A tail, 9I.> to ;F in ,I< to G8 cmWeight: 8<< to 9>< lbs ,J> to 88; +g:rotection status: $ear *hreatened 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man: Kaguar "ange Audio

Clouded (eopard
)eofelis nebulosa
*his beautiful Asian cat, named for its spotted coat, is seldom seen in the wild, and its habits remain a bit mysterious. Clouded leopards roam the hunting grounds of Asia from the rain forests of 6ap &ndonesia to the foothills of the $epali 7imalayas. *hough little information is +nown about their population si)es, they are considered a vulnerable species. Most cats are good climbers, but the clouded leopard is near the top of its class. *hese big cats can even hang upside down beneath large branches, using their large paws and sharp claws to secure a good grip. Clouded leopards have short, powerful legs e:uipped with rotating rear an+les that allow them to safely downclimb in a headfirst postureCmuch li+e a common s:uirrel. Sharp eyesight helps them judge distances well, and the cats use their long tails to maintain balance. *hough clouded leopards are great climbers, scientists believe that they do most of their hunting on the ground, feasting on deer, pigs, mon+eys, and smaller fare such as s:uirrels or birds. *hey are aided in their hunting by the largest canine teeth ,proportionate to body si)e- of any wild cat. Scientists are not sure e2actly how clouded leopards act in the wild. *hey are probably solitary animals, li+e most cats. 'emales give birth to a litter of one to five cubs every year, and the young leopards remain dependent upon their mother for about ten months. Clouded (eopard "ange Audio 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore 5i9e: Body, 9 to ; ft ,.F to .G m-A *ail, up to ; ft ,.G mWeight: #p to >< lbs ,99.I +g0roup name: (eap :rotection status: Bulnerable 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man:

Asian (ion
Panthera leo persica
$early all wild lions live in sub3Saharan Africa, but one small population of Asian lions e2ists in &ndia@s !ir 'orest. Asian lions and African lions are subspecies of the same species. 6ap Asian lions once prowled from the Middle 1ast to &ndia. $ow, only 9<< to 9F< of these magnificent animals survive in the wild. *he !ir 'orest@s dry tea+ woods were once a royal hunting ground. *oday they are a reserve where the endangered Asian lions are heavily protected. An additional 9<< Asian lions live in )oos. (ions are the only cats that live in groups, called prides. 5rides are family units that may include up to three males, a do)en or so females, and their young. All of a pride@s lionesses are related and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age. Houng males eventually leave and may establish their own prides by ta+ing over a group headed by another male. Only male lions boast manes, the impressive fringe of long hair that encircles their heads. Males defend the pride@s territory. *hey mar+ the area with urine, roar menacingly to warn intruders, and chase off animals that encroach on their turf. 'emale lions are the pride@s primary hunters. *hey often wor+ together to prey upon large mammals. After the hunt, the group effort often degenerates to s:uabbling over the sharing of the +ill, with cubs at the bottom of the pec+ing order. Houng lions do not help the pride hunt until they are about a year old. (ions will hunt alone if the opportunity presents itself, and they also steal +ills from hyenas or wild dogs. Asian (ion "ange 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore A%erage life span in the 'ild: 8F to 8= years Weight: ;<< to ><< lbs ,89< to 99F +g0roup name: 5ride :rotection status: 1ndangered 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man:

Mountain (ion
*elis concolor
*his powerful predator roams the Americas, where it is also +nown as a puma, cougar, and catamount. *his big cat of many names is also found in many habitats, from 'lorida swamps to Canadian 6ap forests. Mountain lions li+e to prey on deer, though they also eat smaller animals such as coyotes, porcupines, and raccoons. *hey usually hunt at night or during the gloaming hours of dawn and dus+. *hese cats employ a blend of stealth and power, stal+ing their prey until an opportunity arrives to pounce, then going for the bac+ of the nec+ with a fatal bite. *hey will hide large carcasses and feed on them for several days. Mountain lions once roamed nearly all of the #nited States. *hey were pri)ed by hunters and despised by farmers and ranchers who suffered livestoc+ losses at their hands. Subse:uently, by the dawn of the 9<th century, mountain lions were eliminated from nearly all of their range in the Midwest and 1astern #.S.Cthough the endangered 'lorida panther survives. *oday, whitetail deer populations have rebounded over much of the mountain lion@s former range and a few animals have appeared in more eastern states such as Missouri and Ar+ansas. Some biologists believe that these big cats could eventually recoloni)e much of their Midwest and 1astern rangeCif humans allow them to do so. &n most western #.S. states and Canadian provinces, populations are considered sustainable enough to allow managed sport hunting. Mountain lions re:uire a lot of roomConly a few cats can survive in a ;<3s:uare3 mile ,I=3s:uare3+ilometer- range. *hey are solitary and shy animals, seldom seen by humans. 6hile they do occasionally attac+ peopleCusually children or solitary adultsCstatistics show that, on average, there are only four attac+s and one human fatality each year in all of the #.S. and Canada. Mountain (ion "ange Audio 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore 5i9e: 7ead and body, ;.9> to >.9> ft ,8 to 8.F m-A *ail, 9;.> to ;;.> in ,F< to => cmWeight: 8;F lbs ,F9 +g:rotection status: 1ndangered 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man:

(eopard
Panthera pardus
(eopards are graceful and powerful big cats closely related to lions, tigers, and jaguars. *hey live in sub3Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, &ndia, and China. 7owever, many of their 6ap populations are endangered, especially outside of Africa. *he leopard is so strong and comfortable in trees that it often hauls its +ills into the branches. By dragging the bodies of large animals aloft it hopes to +eep them safe from scavengers such as hyenas. (eopards can also hunt from trees, where their spotted coats allow them to blend with the leaves until they spring with a deadly pounce. *hese nocturnal predators also stal+ antelope, deer, and pigs by stealthy movements in the tall grass. 6hen human settlements are present, leopards often attac+ dogs and, occasionally, people. (eopards are strong swimmers and very much at home in the water, where they sometimes eat fish or crabs. 'emale leopards can give birth at any time of the year. *hey usually have two grayish cubs with barely visible spots. *he mother hides her cubs and moves them from one safe location to the ne2t until they are old enough to begin playing and learning to hunt. Cubs live with their mothers for about two yearsCotherwise, leopards are solitary animals. Most leopards are light colored with distinctive dar+ spots that are called rosettes, because they resemble the shape of a rose. Blac+ leopards, which appear to be almost solid in color because their spots are hard to distinguish, are commonly called blac+ panthers. (eopard "ange Audio 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore 5i9e: 7ead and body, J.9> to F.9> ft ,8.; to 8.G m-A tail, ;.> to J.> ft ,8.8 to 8.J mWeight: FF to 8IF lbs ,;< to =< +g:rotection status: $ear *hreatened 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man:

Snow (eopard
+ncia uncia
*hese rare, beautiful gray leopards live in the mountains of Central Asia. *hey are insulated by thic+ hair, and their wide, fur3covered feet act as natural snowshoes. Snow leopards have powerful legs and are tremendous leapers, able to jump as far as >< feet ,8> meters-. *hey use their long tails for balance and as blan+ets to cover sensitive body parts against the severe mountain chill. Snow leopards prey upon the blue sheep ,bharal- of *ibet and the 7imalaya, as well as the mountain ibe2 found over most of the rest of their range. *hough these powerful predators can +ill animals three times their weight, they also eat smaller fare, such as marmots, hares, and game birds. One &ndian snow leopard, protected and observed in a national par+, is reported to have consumed five blue sheep, nine *ibetan woolly hares, twenty3five marmots, five domestic goats, one domestic sheep, and fifteen birds in a single year. As these numbers indicate, snow leopards sometimes have a taste for domestic animals, which has led to +illings of the big cats by herders. *hese endangered cats appear to be in dramatic decline because of such +illings, and due to poaching driven by illegal trades in pelts and in body parts used for traditional Chinese medicine. Banishing habitat and the decline of the cats@ large mammal prey are also contributing factors.

Bobcat
*elis rufus
Bobcats are elusive and nocturnal, so they are rarely spotted by humans. Although they are seldom seen, they roam throughout much of $orth America and adapt well to such diverse habitats as 6ap forests, swamps, deserts, and even suburban areas. Bobcats, sometimes called wildcats, are roughly twice as big as the average housecat. *hey have long legs, large paws, and tufted ears similar to those of their larger relative, the Canada lyn2. Most bobcats are brown or brownish red with a white underbelly and short, blac+3tipped tail. *he cat is named for its tail, which appears to be cut or Dbobbed.D 'ierce hunters, bobcats can +ill prey much bigger than themselves, but usually eat rabbits, birds, mice, s:uirrels, and other smaller game. *he bobcat hunts by stealth, but delivers a deathblow with a leaping pounce that can cover 8< feet ,; meters-. Bobcats are solitary animals. 'emales choose a secluded den to raise a litter of one to si2 young +ittens, which will remain with their mother for G to 89 months. %uring this time they will learn to hunt before setting out on their own. &n some areas, bobcats are still trapped for their soft, spotted fur. $orth American populations are believed to be :uite large, with perhaps as many as one million cats in the #nited States alone. Bobcat "ange Audio 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore A%erage life span in the 'ild: 8< to 89 years 5i9e: 7ead and body, 9F to J8 in ,FF to 8<J cm-A tail, J to I in ,8< to 8= cmWeight: 88 to ;< lbs ,> to 8J +g8id you kno'< *he bobcat is the most abundant wildcat in the #.S. and has the greatest range of all native $orth American cats. 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man:

Bengal *iger
Panthera tigris tigris
*igers are the largest members of the cat family and are renowned for their power and strength. *here were eight tiger subspecies at one time, but three became e2tinct during the 9<th century. Over the last 8<< years, hunting and forest destruction have reduced tiger populations from hundreds of thousands of animals to perhaps fewer than 9,><<. *igers are hunted as trophies, and also for body parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. All five remaining tiger subspecies are endangered, and many protection programs are in place. Bengal tigers live in &ndia and are sometimes called &ndian tigers. *hey are the most common tiger and number about half of all wild tigers. Over many centuries they have become an important part of &ndian tradition and lore. 7ast 7acts *igers live alone and aggressively scent3mar+ large territories to +eep their rivals away. *hey are powerful nocturnal hunters that travel many miles to find buffalo, deer, wild pigs, and other large mammals. *igers use their distinctive coats as camouflage ,no two have e2actly the same stripes-. *hey lie in wait and creep close enough to attac+ their victims with a :uic+ spring and a fatal pounce. A hungry tiger can eat as much as F< pounds ,9I +ilograms- in one night, though they usually eat less. %espite their fearsome reputation, most tigers avoid humansA however, a few do become dangerous maneaters. *hese animals are often sic+ and unable to hunt normally, or live in an area where their traditional prey has vanished. 'emales give birth to litters of two to si2 cubs, which they raise with little or no help from the male. Cubs cannot hunt until they are 8= months old and remain with their mothers for two to three years, when they disperse to find their own territory. #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore A%erage life span in the 'ild: = to 8< years 5i9e: 7ead and body, > to F ft ,8.> to 8.= m-A tail, 9 to ; ft ,<.F to <.G mWeight: 9J< to ><< lbs ,8<G to 99I +g:rotection status: 1ndangered 8id you kno'< A tiger@s roar can be heard as far as 9 mi ,; +m- away. 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man: Bengal *iger "ange Audio 6ap

Siberian *iger
Panthera tigris altaica
Siberian ,or Amur- tigers are the world@s largest cats. *hey live primarily in eastern "ussia@s birch forests, though some e2ist in China and $orth orea. *here are an estimated J<< to ><< Siberian tigers 6ap living in the wild, and recent studies suggest that these numbers are stable. *hough their northern climate is far harsher than those of other tigers, these animals have some advantages. $orthern forests offer the lowest human density of any tiger habitat, and the most complete ecosystem. *he vast woodlands also allow tigers far more room to roam, as "ussia@s timber industry is currently less e2tensive than that of many other countries. *igers are the largest of all wild cats and are renowned for their power and strength. *here were once eight tiger subspecies, but three became e2tinct during the 9<th century. Over the last hundred years, hunting and forest destruction have reduced overall tiger populations from hundreds of thousands to perhaps ;,<<< to >,<<<. *igers are hunted as trophies and also for body parts that are used in traditional Chinese medicine. All five remaining tiger subspecies are endangered, and many protection programs are in place. 5oaching is a reducedCbut still very significantCthreat to Siberian tigers. *igers live alone and aggressively scent3mar+ large territories to +eep their rivals away. *hey are powerful hunters that travel many miles to find prey, such as el+ and wild boar, on nocturnal hunts. *igers use their distinctive coats as camouflage ,no two have e2actly the same stripes- and hunt by stealth. *hey lie in wait and creep close enough to attac+ their victims with a :uic+ spring and a fatal pounce. A hungry tiger can eat as much as F< pounds ,9I +ilograms- in one night, though they usually eat less. %espite their fearsome reputation, most tigers avoid humansA however, a few do become dangerous maneaters. *hese animals are often sic+ and unable to hunt normally, or live in areas where their traditional prey has vanished. 'emales give birth to litters of two to si2 cubs, which they raise with little or no help from the male. Cubs cannot hunt until they are 8= months old, and remain with their mothers for two to three years, when they disperse to find their own territory. #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore 5i9e: 8<.I> ft ,;.; mWeight: FF< lbs ,;<< +g:rotection status: 1ndangered 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man: Siberian *iger "ange 7ast 7acts

(yn2
*elis lyn(
*he lyn2 is a solitary cat that haunts the remote northern forests of $orth America, 1urope, and Asia. (yn2 are covered with beautiful thic+ fur that +eeps them warm during frigid winters. *heir large paws 6ap are also furry and hit the ground with a spreading toe motion that ma+es them function as natural snowshoes. *hese stealthy cats avoid humans and hunt at night, so they are rarely seen. *here are several species of lyn2. 'ew survive in 1urope but those that do, li+e their Asian relatives, are typically larger than their $orth American counterpart, the Canada lyn2. All lyn2 are s+illed hunters that ma+e use of great hearing ,the tufts on their ears are a hearing aid- and eyesight so strong that a lyn2 can spot a mouse 9>< feet ,I> meters- away. Canada lyn2 eat mice, s:uirrels, and birds, but prefer the snowshoe hare. *he lyn2 are so dependent on this prey that their populations fluctuate with a periodic plunge in snowshoe hare numbers that occurs about every ten years. Bigger 1urasian lyn2 hunt deer and other larger prey in addition to small animals. (yn2 mate in early spring or late winter. About two months later, females give birth to a litter of one to four young. 7umans sometimes hunt lyn2 for their beautiful fur. One endangered population, the &berian lyn2, struggles to survive in the mountains of Spain, far from the cold northern forests where most lyn2 live. (yn2 "ange Audio 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore 5i9e: 7ead and body, ;9 to J< in ,=< to 8<< cm-A *ail, J to = in ,8< to 9< cmWeight: 99 to JJ lbs ,8< to 9< +g:rotection status: *hreatened 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man:

Ocelot
,eopardus pardalis
*wice the si)e of the average house cat, the ocelot is a slee+ animal with a gorgeous dappled coat. *hese largely nocturnal cats use +een sight and hearing to hunt rabbits, rodents, iguanas, fish, 6ap and frogs. *hey also ta+e to the trees and stal+ mon+eys or birds. #nli+e many cats, they do not avoid water and can swim well. (i+e other cats, ocelots are adapted for eating meat. *hey have pointed fangs used to deliver a +illing bite, and sharp bac+ teeth that can tear food li+e scissors. Ocelots do not have teeth appropriate for chewing, so they tear their food to pieces and swallow it whole. *heir raspy tongues can clean a bone of every last tasty morsel. Many ocelots live under the leafy canopies of South American rain forests, but they also inhabit brushlands and can be found as far north as *e2as. *hese cats can adapt to human habitats and are sometimes found in the vicinity of villages or other settlements. Ocelots@ fine fur has made them the target of countless hunters, and in many areas they are :uite rare, including *e2as, where they are endangered. Ocelots are protected in the #nited States and most other countries where they live. 'emale ocelots have litters of two or three dar+ly colored +ittens. &n northern locations females den in the autumn, while in tropical climes the breeding season may not be fi2ed. 7ast 7acts #ype: Mammal 8iet: Carnivore 5i9e: 9= to ;> in ,I< to G< cmWeight: 9J to ;> lbs ,88 to 8F +g:rotection status: *hreatened 5i9e relati%e to a 6;ft ();m) man: Ocelot "ange Audio