Difference between jaguar and leopard in pictures
Many people cannot tell the difference between a jaguar and a leopard. Are you one of them? No need to despair. Although the two types of big cats look very similar, the difference can be seen with a little practice.
1. The leopard - a graceful hunter
The leopard is built much lighter than the jaguar. It is also taller-legged and has a longer tail. The underside of the leopard's tail tip is colored white, which is not the case with the jaguar. In addition, the leopard's head is smaller and more graceful than that of the jaguar. The fur of both big cats is similar, but here, too, differences can be seen on closer inspection. The rosette-shaped spots are smaller, rounder and more regular in leopards.
2. The jaguar - powerful and imposing
In contrast to the leopard, the jaguar is much bigger and more compact. It is also significantly heavier as a result. Its legs and tail are shorter than the leopard's. Its head is broad and rounded with strong jawbones and pronounced jaw muscles. In addition to the strong physique and the characteristic head shape, the jaguar can also be distinguished from the leopard by its spot pattern. The spots of the jaguar are also laid out in the shape of a rosette. However, they are much larger on the body than those of the leopard and the individual rings often enclose one or more dark points. This does not happen with the leopard.
3. The habitat is another difference
If you should come across one of the two big cats in the wild, you can also easily infer which of the two animals it is. The jaguar is common in South and Central America, mainly in the tropical rainforest. In contrast, the leopard can be found in Africa and Asia. He gets along in the savannah as well as in forest areas. The two big cats also differ in their behavior. In contrast to the leopard, the jaguar is not afraid of water. It also kills its prey by biting the neck or even through the skull, while the leopard mostly uses a throat bite.
4. Associate black panthers with their species
You have probably heard of black panthers too. These animals are nothing more than black-born leopards or jaguars. In both animal species, such blackens occur mainly in populations that live in forest areas. Since it is darker there, black animals are better camouflaged. In addition to the difference in body structure, the spots can also be seen in the fur of the black panther when the light falls accordingly. The animal in the photo is a black jaguar. Did you realize it?
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