In the jungle. On the savanna. In the rain forest. No matter where they’re found, the world’s big cats demand our respect. Lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards are among the most fearsome of all big cats. It may seem strange, but it’s true. These are the only big cats that can roar. Get ready to meet them.


Built to Hunt All big cats are carnivores. T at means they eat meat. But fi rst they must catch their prey. Big cats have adaptations that make them good hunters. Long tails provide balance while they leap, climb, and run. Strong leg muscles power long jumps and big steps. A bendable spine helps the cats twist and turn. Big cats have 20 times more


smelling power than humans. And they see six times better at night. T eir whiskers help them 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 prey. It usually stays low to the ground. T en it sneaks closer. Finally, it strikes. It leaps on its prey, biting with its sharp fangs and holding on with its claws. Each cat has a special hunting


strength. Tigers are good swimmers. Leopards are the strongest climbers. Jaguars have great night vision. T ey prefer to hunt at night. Lions hunt as a group. Sometimes


they follow vultures to a kill and steal a meal!


A lionness stalks her prey.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24