Hobbies And Interests
Lions
Known as the King of the Jungle, the African lion (Panthera leo) is a majestic animal that lives in large groups, or prides. Lions range in weight from 265 to 420 lbs. Males are identifiable by their large mane, and number up to three in an average pride because young males eventually break apart to find another pride to take over. Of those males that remain, they can cover an area up to 100 miles to protect their pride with a fearsome roar that can be heard up to five miles away. Females outnumber males in the group and serve as the hunters for the family, working together in groups to take down their prey. These carnivorous mammals are in a vulnerable protective status.
Tigers
Tigers (Panthera tigris) are one of the largest of the top four "big cats," with the Siberian being the largest of the six existing species. The remaining tiger species are the Bengal, Sumatran, Malayan, Indochinese and South China. These felines are recognizable by their striking black stripe patterns that are as individual as each tiger itself. Unlike lions, tigers tend to be loners, usually coming together only to mate. The number of tigers remaining on this earth is concerning. As of this writing, several species number fewer than 1,000.
Cheetahs
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are the world's fastest land mammal, they can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in three seconds flat. As an animal that ranges anywhere from 77 to 143 lbs., it is graceful and agile enough to operate at such high speed to take down its prey. It hunts during the day, camouflaging itself in the high, dry grassy African plain. Cheetahs tend to live alone or in small groups. As of 2011, only 7,000 to 10,000 of these cats remain, making their protective status vulnerable.
Jaguars
Jaguars (Panthera onca) used to roam both North and South America, but in the 21st century are found primarily in South America. They are, in fact, South America's largest cat. Their name comes from the Native American word, "yaguar," which means "he who kills with one leap," and these majestic animals held a prominent place in ancient Native American culture, even lording the underworld. Jaguars are good swimmers who do not shy away from water. They are hunted for their beautiful coats, which makes their protective status near threatened.
Cougars
Cougars (Felis or Puma concolor) are found from Canada through North America. These large cats go by 200 different names, depending on the region where they live, such as pumas and panthers. They can live in diverse terrains, such as canyons, swamps and deserts. Those living in mountains are often referred to as mountain lions. In fact, these wild cats inhabit a larger geographical region than any other large cat. Cougars are solitary animals who do not wish to share their terrain with other cats. Humans are by far, the biggest threat to cougars. The species' numbers have been so drastically reduced, that their protective status is considered endangered.