Cheetah and Leopard: similarities and differences 

What are the similarities and differences between Cheetahs and African Leopards?

The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and the African Leopard (Panthera pardus) are both felines – wild cats from Africa.

The Cheetah has a sway-back and the Leopard does not.

Cheetah and Leopard

Cheetah (left) and Leopard (right)

CHEETAHS AND AFRICAN LEOPARDS
SIMILAR DIFFERENT
Cheetahs and leopards are mammals. Cheetahs are between 1-1.4 meters (3-4 feet) long – leopards are 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) long.
Cheetahs and leopards are endothermal (they can control their body temperature). Cheetahs are about 90 centimeters (35 inches) tall – leopards are about 45-80 centimeters (18-31 inches) tall.
Cheetahs and leopards have vertebrae (backbones). Cheetahs weigh between 36-65 kilograms (79-140 pounds) – leopards weigh between 36-90 kilograms (80-200 pounds).
Cheetahs and leopards have insulating fur. Cheetahs can sprint up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) – leopards can sprint up to 58 kilometers per hour (36 miles per hour).
Cheetahs and leopards have live young, called cubs. Cheetahs have round or oval spots – leopards have irregular shaped spots called rosetttes.
Cheetahs and leopards have spotted markings. Cheetahs have a black tear-shaped line on their face – leopards have no black line on their face.
Cheetahs and leopards have long tails, about a meter (3 feet) long. Cheetahs have small teeth and cannot crunch bones – leopards have strong teeth and can crunch bones.
Cheetahs have thin, short whiskers – leopards have thick, longer whiskers
Cheetahs have claws that do not retract (they are always visible) – leopards have claws that retract (move in and out).
Cheetahs hunt during the day (they are diurnal) – leopards hunt at night (they are nocturnal).
Cheetahs don’t climb – leopards can climb as high as 15 meters (50 feet).
Cheetahs can’t roar – leopards can roar.
Cheetahs don’t like water – leopards are strong swimmers.
Cheetahs are not in the African Big Five category – Leopards are in the African Big Five category

 

Cheetah and Leopard

Cheetah (left) and Leopard (right)

Cheetah and Leopard

Cheetah (left) and Leopard (right)

Cheetah 

Cheetah

African Leopard

African Leopard

African Leopard

 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMIL AR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

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