pantherina

Pantherina is a taxonomic term that is most often associated with the Pantherinae, the subfamily within Felidae that includes the so-called big cats. The precise use of Pantherinae and the inclusion of related genera vary among taxonomic authorities, leading to some variation in how pantherina is described in different sources. In many classifications, Pantherinae comprises the genus Panthera, and in some schemes Neofelis (the clouded leopards) is placed in Pantherinae as well, while other classifications separate Neofelis into a different subfamily.

The genus Panthera contains several well-known large cats, including the lion (Panthera leo), tiger (Panthera tigris), jaguar (Panthera onca), leopard (Panthera pardus), and snow leopard (Panthera uncia). These species are characterized by robust physiques, large heads, and the ability to produce a loud roar due to a specialized hyoid apparatus and laryngeal structure. Pantherinae members are typically apex or near-apex predators within their ecosystems and have diverse dietary and hunting strategies suited to their habitats.

Geographically, pantherina-associated species occupy a wide range: lions and leopards across Africa and parts of Asia, tigers across parts of Asia, jaguars in the Americas, and snow leopards in high mountain regions of Central and South Asia. Their habitats span grasslands, forests, mountains, and savannas, and they face conservation challenges from habitat loss, prey decline, and human-wildlife conflict.

In summary, pantherina references the group commonly known as the big cats, with taxonomy that varies slightly by authority but unified in describing large, powerful felids capable of roaring and occupying top predator roles in their environments. See also Panthera, Neofelis, and Felidae.