List of Big Cats

 

Our list of big cats includes common names, scientific names, subspecies and conservation status of the top wild cats on the planet. You can find more information about each cat by clicking on its name.

Big cats can be found in Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Central America and Europe.  They live in many different habitats, including grasslands, savannas, swamps, forests and mountain regions. After the list, you will find a breakdown of big cats by continent.

What is a Big Cat?

The term “big cats” is often used to describe the four largest wild cats: lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars. These are the only big cats that roar. However, there is an expanded definition of big cats that includes the cheetah, snow leopard, cougar (mountain lion/puma), clouded leopard and Sunda clouded leopard.

We have used the broader meaning of “big cats” for the List of Big Cats below.

Scientific Names

Scientists group living organisms into biological categories (taxonomy) based on how similar they are. The first category is Kingdom, followed by Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species.

All cats, including big cats, are members of the Felidae family. A member of the Felidae family is called a felid. Read more about big cat biological classification.

Big Cat Are Endangered

Big cat populations are declining all over the planet due to illegal wildlife trade, hunting, poaching, habitat loss and the loss of prey. Many big cats are listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. When a species is endangered, it means it is at risk of extinction (disappearing forever). This list of big cats includes a brief description of each of the largest wild cats and its conservation status.                              

The Big Cats List

#1. Cheetah

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubalus) are the world’s fastest land animal. They once ranged throughout India, Pakistan, Russia, Iran and the Middle East, but due to diminishing populations, most cheetahs can only be found in the eastern and southern parts of Africa, and Iran. Today there are an estimated 7,000 cheetah’s left in the world. 

#2. Clouded Leopard

The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is found in Asia, from the Himalayas (Nepal and India) to China, usually in dense forrest. Physical characteristics include a dark grey fur with black spots, blotches and mottled stripes. It is estimated that there are less than 10,000 clouded leopards in the wild. 

#3. Cougar

Also called the puma, mountain lion, Florida panther, red tiger and catamount. Over 30 subspecies of cougar (Puma concolor) have been documented. Two subspecies have been recognized. Found throughout North, Central and South America.

#4. Jaguar

Jaguars (Panthera onca) roam throughout Central and South America in forests located near rivers and lakes. Sometimes they are seen in the Southwestern United States. They are very similar in appearance to leopards, but generally larger. Jaguars are one of the four big cats that roar. At one time it was believed there were several subspecies of jaguar. More recent research has concluded there are no subspecies. 

#5. Leopard

Leopards (Panthera pardus) inhabit Africa, India, Asia, the Middle East and Malay peninsula. Leopard subspecies include the Persian leopard, the Arabian leopard, the Sri Lankan leopard and the Javan leopard. The leopard is one of the four big cats that roar. 

#6. Lion

The lion (Panthera leo) once roamed throughout southeastern Europe, the Middle East and parts of India. While a small population still remains in India, the species now occupies habitats in various parts of Africa. At one time it was believed there were many subspecies of lion. As of 2017, only two subspecies are considered valid. 

#7. Snow Leopard

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) can be found in the mountains of South and Central Asia. Snow leopards have adapted to extremely cold climates. It is estimated that there are less than 9,000 snow leopards living in the wild. 

#8. Sunda Clouded Leopard

The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), also called the Sundaland clouded leopard, is found in Sumatra and Borneo. Studies show a continuing decrease in population. The leopard’s local name means “tree branch tiger.” They are mostly found in forests and are skilled climbers. 

#9. Tiger

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest of all big cats. Less than 3,000 tigers exist in the wild today. It was once believed there were several tiger subspecies. The subspecies list was revised in 2017, showing only two subspecies: Panthera tigris tigris (tigers in continental Asia) and Panthera tigris sondaica (tigers in the Sunda Islands).