Top Tens
Top Ten: Big Cat Facts
They can accelerate from 0 to 70mph in just three seconds and cure all sorts of human ailments. Find out more about lions, tigers and other big cats...
Big Cat Fact #1
The term 'big cats' is used to differentiate larger wild cats from their smaller cousins. Some define big cats as species categorised under the genus Panthera - the lion, tiger, leopard and jaguar. However, some researchers also include the cheetah, snow leopard, clouded leopard and cougar under the 'big cats' banner.
Big Cat Fact #2
Cats can either roar or purr but they can't do both. The four main big cats – the lion, tiger, leopard and jaguar – have specially adapted larynxes which enable them to roar (but they cannot purr); the lion has the longest larynx, which means it can produce the loudest roar. Cats that can't roar are always able to purr.
Big Cat Fact #3
The tiger is the largest feline species in the world. Male tigers tend to weigh in at a hefty 200-320kg (440-770lb) while females tip the scales at between 120-181 kg (265-400lb). Around 80% of the tiger population is made up of the sub-species the Bengal tiger.
Big Cat Fact #4
The tiger is seen as essential to some cultures for its health giving properties. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that tigers' tails ground down with soap make a paste that treats skin cancer. The poor old tiger's penis isn't left out either - it's said to be an aphrodisiac. Not such an aphrodisiac for the poor old tiger once it's been removed!
When is it on?
- Lion - Out of Africa? - Natural World is next on at 9.00am on Tuesday 14th October on UKTV Documentary
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