Panthera

Panthera is a genus within the family Felidae that comprises five extant species of large cats: the lion (Panthera leo), the tiger (Panthera tigris), the jaguar (Panthera onca), the leopard (Panthera pardus), and the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). A defining feature of Panthera species is their specialized vocal anatomy, which allows them to produce loud roars. This roaring capability differentiates them from most other cats, which cannot roar in the same way.

These cats are obligate carnivores and are distributed across a wide range of habitats in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Lions are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa with a small population in India. Tigers occur in various parts of Asia. Jaguars inhabit the Americas, from the southern United States to northern Argentina. Leopards have a broad distribution across Africa and Eurasia, while snow leopards inhabit high mountain ranges in Central and South Asia. Behavior varies by species: lions are highly social, living in prides, whereas other Panthera species are largely solitary and rely on stealth and ambush hunting.

Threats facing Panthera species include habitat loss, fragmentation, depletion of prey, and illegal poaching for fur, body parts, or conflict with humans. Conservation statuses range from vulnerable to endangered across the genus, with targeted protection and habitat conservation efforts ongoing in many regions.

Reproduction is typical of large cats: females give birth to small litters after a gestation of roughly 90 to 110 days. Cubs are cared for by the mother for several months to years, depending on the species, before dispersing.