Have you ever wondered which big cats are the largest on Earth? When we talk about big cats, we mean animals like lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars. These cats are strong predators that hunt other animals to survive. Big cats belong to a group called the genus Panthera, known for their powerful bodies, sharp teeth, and loud roars. Let’s explore the eight largest big cats, including different subspecies, learn why they’re so large, and see how they compare to other wild animals!
What Exactly is a Big Cat?
Big cats are members of the cat family that can roar. Cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars are true big cats. Smaller wild cats like cheetahs, lynxes, and cougars are often called big cats too, but they don’t roar.
The Eight Largest Big Cats
The eight largest big cats in the world are the Siberian tiger, Bengal tiger, African lion, Indo-Chinese tiger, jaguar, cougar, leopard, snow leopard.
1. Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
The Siberian tiger is the largest cat in the world. These huge animals live mostly in Russia. A Siberian tiger can weigh up to 660 pounds and measure around 12 feet from its nose to the tip of its tail. They have huge paws to walk silently in deep snow and thick fur for warmth in cold climates. Siberian tiger cubs grow very fast and can reach full adult size within two years.
Size Differences Between Males and Females
Siberian tiger males are much larger than females. They can be almost twice as heavy as females, much longer and taller with a more robust build. Here’s a comparison of their typical size differences:
Male Siberian Tiger:
- Weight: 180–306 kg (397–675 lbs), with exceptional individuals exceeding 320 kg (700 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.7–3.3 meters (8.9–10.8 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 90–110 cm (35–43 inches).
- Tail Length: 90–110 cm (35–43 inches).
Female Siberian Tiger:
- Weight: 100–167 kg (220–368 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.4–2.75 meters (7.9–9.0 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 75–95 cm (30–37 inches).
- Tail Length: 80–100 cm (31–39 inches).
This size difference helps males dominate territory and compete for mates, while females need to be more agile to hunt and raise cubs.
Today, only about 500-600 Siberian tigers remain in the wild.
2. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
The Bengal tiger is slightly smaller than its Siberian cousin but still incredibly large. Found mostly in India, these tigers can weigh around 550 pounds and grow up to 11 feet long. They are known for their beautiful orange fur and dark stripes. Bengal tigers have powerful muscles to jump and run quickly, helping them hunt large prey. Cubs reach almost full adult size by 18 months and are fully grown by two years old.
Size Differences Between Males and Females
Bengal tiger males are notably larger than females. Here’s a comparison of their typical size differences:
Male Bengal Tiger:
- Weight: 180–260 kg (397–573 lbs)
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.7–3.1 meters (8.9–10.2 feet)
- Shoulder Height: 90–110 cm (35–43 inches)
- Tail Length: 85–110 cm (33–43 inches)
Female Bengal Tiger:
- Weight: 100–160 kg (220–353 lbs)
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.4–2.7 meters (7.9–8.9 feet)
- Shoulder Height: 75–95 cm (30–37 inches)
- Tail Length: 80–100 cm (31–39 inches)
Males can be up to 1.5 times heavier than female, and are generally longer and taller with a more muscular build. Males also have a broader head and thicher neck.
Approximately 2,500 Bengal tigers remain in the wild today.
3. African Lion (Panthera leo)
Lions are famous as “Kings of the Jungle,” but they actually live on grasslands. African lions are the third-largest big cats, with males weighing up to 550 pounds and reaching lengths of about 10 feet, including their tail. Lions have strong front limbs and jaws, making it easy for them to bring down big prey like buffalo and zebras. cubs grow quickly, reaching about half their adult size within their first year, and full adult size by three years old.
Size Differences Between Males and Females
Male lions weigh around 150 pounds more than females and have larger, darker manes, making them more intimidating.
Male African Lion:
- Weight: 150–250 kg (330–550 lbs), with some exceptional males exceeding 270 kg (595 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.5–3.3 meters (8.2–10.8 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 110–120 cm (43–47 inches).
- Tail Length: 90–105 cm (35–41 inches).
Female African Lion:
- Weight: 100–180 kg (220–400 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.3–2.7 meters (7.5–8.9 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 100–110 cm (39–43 inches).
- Tail Length: 70–100 cm (28–39 inches).
Overall, males are up to 1.5 larger than females. They have a broader head and thicker neck. The females are more agile and slender. These differences reflect their roles in the pride, with males focusing on territorial defense and competition for mates, while females lead most of the hunting efforts.
There are currently about 20,000 African lions left in the wild.
4. Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti)
These tigers live in Southeast Asia and are slightly smaller than Bengal tigers. An Indochinese tiger weighs about 430 pounds and measures around 9 feet long. They are excellent hunters and known for their agility. Indochinese tigers have strong, muscular bodies and sharp claws for capturing prey quickly. Cubs grow rapidly and usually reach their adult size by about two years of age.
Size Differences Between Males and Females
Males are usually heavier by about 80-100 pounds.
Male Indochinese Tiger:
- Weight: 150–195 kg (330–430 lbs)
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.55–2.85 meters (8.4–9.4 feet)
- Shoulder Height: 90–100 cm (35–39 inches)
- Tail Length: 85–100 cm (33–39 inches)
Female Indochinese Tiger:
- Weight: 100–130 kg (220–286 lbs)
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.3–2.55 meters (7.5–8.4 feet)
- Shoulder Height: 75–85 cm (30–33 inches)
- Tail Length: 75–95 cm (30–37 inches)
Males are heavier, longer and taller than females. They also have broader heads and thicker necks. These differences reflect the typical roles in tiger populations, where males defend large territories and females focus on raising cubs and securing prey.
Fewer than 350 Indochinese tigers remain in the wild.
5. Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the largest big cat in the Americas. Jaguars weigh up to 350 pounds and can grow about 8 feet in length. Their strong jaws can crush the bones of their prey, making them powerful hunters. Jaguars have very powerful jaws that allow them to crush hard objects, including turtle shells. Cubs reach adult size by two to three years old, quickly becoming strong hunters.
Size Differences Between Males and Females
Male jaguars are around 50 pounds heavier, allowing them better chances of hunting larger prey and defending territory.
Male Jaguar:
- Weight: 90–120 kg (198–264 lbs), with some reaching up to 150 kg (330 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 1.6–1.85 meters (5.2–6.1 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 75–80 cm (30–31 inches).
- Tail Length: 70–90 cm (28–35 inches).
Female Jaguar:
- Weight: 60–100 kg (132–220 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 1.4–1.7 meters (4.6–5.6 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 65–75 cm (26–30 inches).
- Tail Length: 60–80 cm (24–31 inches).
Males are usually 25 to 50% heavier than females, with a broader head and more muscular build. Females are more slender and agile. Males tend to have larger territories, while females focus on areas best for cub-rearing.
Around 15,000 jaguars are estimated to still live in the wild.
Find out more about jaguar physical characteristics and behavior.
6. Cougar (Mountain Lion) (Puma concolor)
Cougars weigh about 220 pounds and can be up to 8 feet long. They live in North and South America and are excellent at jumping and climbing. Cougars have powerful legs, allowing them to leap distances up to 20 feet. Cougar cubs grow quickly and become fully grown adults by two years old.
Size Differences Between Males and Females
Male cougars are typically larger, weighing about 30-50 pounds more, helpful for territory control.
Male Cougar:
- Weight: 53–100 kg (117–220 lbs), with some reaching up to 120 kg (265 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.4–2.75 meters (7.9–9 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 60–90 cm (24–35 inches).
- Tail Length: 60–95 cm (24–37 inches).
Female Cougar:
- Weight: 29–64 kg (64–141 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 2.0–2.3 meters (6.6–7.5 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 50–75 cm (20–30 inches).
- Tail Length: 50–85 cm (20–33 inches).
Males are longer and taller than females, with a more robust and muscular appearance.
Approximately 50,000 cougars are estimated to live in the wild.
7. Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Leopards are smaller than jaguars, but they are powerful and strong. A large leopard weighs about 200 pounds and can grow up to 7 feet long. They live in Africa and Asia and are great climbers, often carrying their prey up trees to keep it safe from scavengers. They eat smaller animals like monkeys, birds, and deer. Female eopard cubs reach maturity at about 2 to 3 years old, and males at around 3 to 4 years old.
Size Difference Between Male and Female Leopards
Male leopards are generally larger and heavier than female leopards. Here’s a comparison of their typical size differences:
Male Leopards:
- Weight: 40–90 kg (88–198 lbs), with some large individuals reaching up to 100 kg (220 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 1.2–1.9 meters (4–6.2 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 60–80 cm (24–31 inches).
Female Leopards:
- Weight: 28–60 kg (62–132 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 1–1.7 meters (3.3–5.6 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 50–70 cm (20–28 inches).
Males are not only larger but also more muscular, with broader heads and thicker necks, which helps them compete for territory and mates. Females, on the other hand, tend to be more agile and slender, aiding them in raising cubs and hunting efficiently.
Around 250,000 leopards remain in the wild today.
Learn how to tell the difference between a jaguar and leopard.
8. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
These cats live in cold mountains in Central Asia. Snow leopards can weigh about 120 pounds and reach lengths of around 7 feet. Their thick fur and wide paws help them survive in snowy environments. Snow leopards hunt sheep, goats, and smaller animals. They eat slowly and can survive on a single large prey for days. Their size and powerful legs allow them to leap long distances, helping them catch prey in rocky terrain. Female snow leopard cubs reach maturity at around 2 to 3 years of age. Males reach maturity at around 4 years of age.
Size Differences Between Male and Female Snow Leopards
Snow leopard males are larger and heavier than females, but the difference is not as extreme as in some other big cat species. Here’s a comparison:
Male Snow Leopard:
- Weight: 45–55 kg (99–121 lbs), with some reaching up to 75 kg (165 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 1.1–1.3 meters (3.6–4.3 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 60 cm (24 inches) on average.
- Tail Length: 80–105 cm (31–41 inches).
Female Snow Leopard:
- Weight: 32–40 kg (71–88 lbs).
- Body Length (head to tail): 0.9–1.15 meters (3.0–3.8 feet).
- Shoulder Height: 55 cm (22 inches) on average.
- Tail Length: 75–100 cm (30–39 inches)
Males are often 1.5 times heavier than females, with longer bodies and a broader head. Females are more slender and agile, which helps them raise cubs and navigate steep mountainous terrain.
There are estimated to be fewer than 6,000 snow leopards remaining in the wild.
Largest Big Cats Comparison Table
| Wild Cat | Body Length (ft) | Weight (lbs) | Shoulder Height (in) | Tail Length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siberian Tiger | 8.9–10.8 | 397–675 | 35–43 | 35–43 |
| Bengal Tiger | 8.9–10.2 | 397–573 | 35–43 | 33–43 |
| African Lion | 8.2–10.8 | 330–550 | 39–47 | 35–41 |
| Indo-Chinese Tiger | 8.4–9.4 | 330–430 | 35–39 | 33–39 |
| Jaguar | 5.2–6.1 | 198–330 | 26–31 | 28–35 |
| Cougar | 6.6–9.0 | 64–220 | 20–35 | 20–37 |
| Leopard | 3.3–6.2 | 62–198 | 20–31 | 22–39 |
| Snow Leopard | 3.0–4.3 | 71–121 | 22–24 | 31–41 |
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