The Difference Between Cheetah and Leopard – Understanding Their Physical Characteristics and Behaviours
Cheetahs and leopards are two of the most fascinating big cats in the world. Though the two may look alike in certain ways, they are vastly different from each other when it comes to their physical attributes and behaviours. Here, we take a closer look at what distinguishes the cheetah from the leopard.
Appearance and physical characteristics
The cheetah stands out with its slender, elegant build and long limbs, designed for running at incredible speeds of up to 75 mph. The cat’s fur is yellowish-brown with black spots on its face, crown, back, and tail. Its eyes and nose are black, and the fur around its neck is short and furry. Cheetahs have tear marks under their eyes that act as natural anti-glare, which allows them to focus on their prey with minimal disturbance from the sun.
On the other hand, the leopard has a stocky build, shorter legs, and is more muscular than the cheetah. The cat’s coat has a pattern of black spots with a yellowish-brown background, while its face is smudged with the same color spots that ring around its whiskers. One notable difference between the two is that the leopard has black rosettes, which are more circular and heart-shaped than cheetah spots.
Behaviour patterns and hunting techniques
Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animals and rely on their speed and agility to hunt their prey. They tend to hunt during the day and prefer open savannah habitats where they can spot their prey from a distance. Cheetahs often hunt alone, and they rely on their eyesight to track their prey, whereas their stealth and speed are crucial to stalk and catch their prey. Once they catch their prey, they suffocate it with a bite to the neck and consume it immediately.
Leopards, on the other hand, are highly adaptable and can hunt at night, making them stealthier hunters compared to cheetahs. They are more opportunistic and will hunt carrion if the opportunity arises. Leopards are also capable climbers, and they can scale trees with agility to ambush their prey from above. They tend to use their powerful jaws to bite through the throat of their prey, instantly killing it, and cover it with branches or leaves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cheetahs and leopards are magnificent big cats that have adapted significant hunting strategies to ensure their survival in the wild. While they may look alike on first glance, their physical attributes and hunting techniques are vastly different. From their physical builds to their hunting techniques, their unique features set them apart, making them both captivating creatures to observe and appreciate.
Table difference between cheetah and leopard
| Attribute | Cheetah | Leopard |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellowish coat with black spots; slender and streamlined body | Yellowish-brown coat with black rosette-shaped spots; stocky body |
| Habitat | Grasslands and savannas | Forests and rocky areas |
| Speed | Fastest land animal; can reach up to 75 mph | Can run up to 37 mph |
| Size | Smaller and lighter, weighs 77 to 143 pounds | Larger and heavier, weighs 66 to 200 pounds |
| Hunting | Chases prey at high speeds; usually hunts during the day | Climbs trees to ambush prey; usually hunts at night |