Panthera – Panthers
When the teacher puts all the strong kids in one group
The most endangered of all the cat genera.
Earlier comprised all large and small spotted cats, but a more recent classification only includes five big cats in the genus. All five are apex predators and flagship species. From high mountains to savannahs to the rainforests of Asia and Africa, they can be found in various habitats.
They have significant ecological and cultural importance but are endangered. For these species, major conservation obstacles include a fall in their prey base, habitat loss, hunting, conflicts with humans (as they present a danger to livestock), and illegal trafficking. Tiger, lion, snow leopard, and leopard are commercially exploited (by poaching and illegal trade). Jaguars have recently been threatened by their use in Chinese medicines.
Species in this genus
Tiger
With only 3,000 in the wild and 10,000 in captivity in the U.S., tigers are increasingly being treated as Selfie props than actual wildlife
Lion
Tufted-tailed Simba in the plight
Leopard
Disappearing graceful shadows, this tree-climber is on the way to extinction
Snow leopard
The vanishing big cat of the cold, rugged Himalaya mountains is being executed by the humans
Jaguar
This solitary cat is America’s largest feline and the world’s third, after the tiger and the lion
