Kings of the jungle. Ghosts of the savanna. Rulers of the rain forest. No matter where they’re found, the world’s big cats command our respect. Lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards are among the most fearsome of felines. It may seem strange, but these four are the only big cats that can roar.
Built to Hunt All big cats are carnivores. T at means they eat meat. But fi rst they have to catch their prey. Big cats have adaptations that make them good hunters. Long tails provide balance while they
leap, climb, and run. Sheaths at the top of each toe protect their claws. Strong leg muscles power long jumps and big strides. A fl exible spine helps the cats twist and turn during chases. It also helps them land safely if they tumble. Big cats have 20 times more smelling
power than humans have. And they see six times better at night than humans do. Sensitive whiskers help the cats fi nd their way in the dark.
What’s that Sound?
Lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards are all missing a bone in their voiceboxes. In its place is a band of stretchy tissue. The more the band stretches, the lower the sound that is made when air passes across the vocal cords. The result is a roar instead of a purr.
4 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
Hunting Prey A big cat has to work hard to catch a meal. It usually stalks its prey by staying low to the ground. It sneaks closer. T en it strikes. It leaps on the prey, biting with its sharp fangs and holding on with its claws. Each of these cats has a special hunting
strength. Tigers are great swimmers. T at’s helpful when they swim across lakes carrying heavy prey in their mouths. Leopards are skilled climbers. T ey can
carry prey twice their weight up into a tree. Jaguars see well at night, so that’s when they do most of their hunting. Lions hunt prey in two ways. T ey “search and stalk” or “sit and wait.” Sometimes they follow vultures to a fresh kill. T en they steal their meal.
A lionness stalks her prey.
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