What’s the difference: panther vs jaguar? It isn’t as straightforward as you may think. It all depends on what you mean by “panther”. In this post, we’ll clarify what a panther is. And then break down key differences between one of the definitions of “panther” and jaguars (and leopards?). Show
What is a Panther? 4 Explanations (And Common Misconceptions)Panthers are often thought to be a specific species of big cats. But that isn’t true.
Is a Jaguar a Panther?Yes, jaguars belong to the genus Panthera, making it a panther. The four other big cats, leopards, lions, tigers, and snow leopards, are also panthers by classification. Black jaguars are commonly known as panthers. And more specifically as black panthers. Is a Leopard a Panther?Yes, leopards also belong to the genus Panthera, making it a panther. Black leopards are commonly known as black panthers. What is a Black Panther?Black panthers are a color variant of either the leopard (Panthera pardus) or the jaguar (Panthera onca). Black panthers are not a single species but a description of these species (leopard or jaguar) with the melanistic color variant (black). As you can see, the term “black panther” is not very accurate. It is better to use the species name than the broad term of “panther”. Are All Panthers Black?No. Panthers can be black, white, or the more common yellowish to dark gold with rosettes or spots. Coming up now, we’ll be looking at the differences between the jaguar and one of the color variants, the black panther. A black leopard at rest Quick Overview: Panther vs JaguarBlack PantherRemember: Black panthers are not a single species, but a description of either leopards or jaguars that have the melanistic color variant.
Jaguar
Adult jaguar at rest 1. Biggest Difference: Fur ColorThe most obvious difference between black panthers and jaguars is the fur color. Black panthers have black fur throughout their entire body. This is due to the excess black pigments they have. This coloration is known as melanism. Jaguars, on the other hand, have yellow or tan fur. Both panthers and jaguars have rosettes present on their fur, despite the fact they aren’t very visible on black panthers. 2. Genetics: Dominant and Recessive GenesSo why are black panthers black? It comes to genetics. Dominant Gene: First of all, in black jaguars, the gene needed to make melanistic (or black) fur in their offspring is dominant. That means a black jaguar can produce both black and spotted cubs. To get only spotted from spotted jaguars, they have to be bred together. Another interesting point with black jaguars is that how many of the melanistic genes will affect how dark they get. If the animal only has one black fur gene, then it will be lighter than those with two of said genes. Recessive Gene: Black leopards are the complete opposite. That is because the gene needed for them to produce melanism is recessive. So, if a spotted leopard contains the black fur gene, then it may be able to spawn a black cub. To guarantee that outcome, two black leopards must mate together. 3. Population NumbersJaguars are rare enough as it is. Some estimates have about 15,000 jaguars left in the wild. This is unfortunately due to poaching and deforestation. Since jaguars tend to be very elusive, getting an accurate population count can be very difficult, if not impossible. Black panthers are even rarer. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, only about 11 percent of jaguars and leopards have the melanistic, or excess black pigment, gene. So to calculate, here are the following estimated population figures of jaguars and leopards that are left:
That’s a total of around 48,350 total leopards and jaguars left, and 11 percent of that is just over 5,300 black panthers in the world. This is a very rough estimate, but it does give you an idea of just how few of them there are. Learn more about the animals of the Amazon rainforest. 4. TempermentAccording to one source, some indigenous people considered black jaguars to be more dangerous than their spotted counterparts. The same source also says that black leopards are more temperamental than non-melanistic leopards. This has possibly led to them being less fertile than spotted leopards. 5. Size: Panther vs JaguarIn looking at black leopards to jaguars, there are some differences when it comes to size. When it comes to their shoulder height and length, the two are very similar.
The big difference comes in tail length and weight. Leopards have jaguars beat in tail length, outshining them 40 inches (102 cm) to 30 inches (76 cm) respectively. Jaguars take the crown when it comes to weight.
6. HabitatWhile dense forests are preferred by jaguars, they can be found in other areas, like grasslands and wetlands. Black panthers across species tend to stay in shady areas, like dense forests. Their fur may be an adaptation to their environment that occurred over time. 7. LifespanDepending on the species, black panthers can have a lifespan of 12-17 years. Jaguars, on the other hand, have lifespans of 12-15 years. The jaguar’s pattern is clearly visible, despite the black-on-black coloring. Keep learning about big cats: Cheetah vs Leopards: 14 Key Differences More reading: Jaguar vs Tiger: 7 Key Differences Compared Your TurnDid you know there wasn’t an actual panther species? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!
Hello, I’m Joshua Diegor. My love for travel began I was 18 when I went with some friends to New York City. All in all, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 14 countries. I’m a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel. Ist ein schwarzer Panther ein Jaguar?Der Schwarze Panther ist nämlich keine eigene Art, sondern bloß ein Jaguar oder ein Leopard mit zu groß geratenen Flecken. Jaguare und Leoparden sind nicht näher miteinander verwandt, aber ihr Fell ist ähnlich gemustert: Goldgelb mit schwarzen Kreisen.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Panther und einem Puma?Der lateinische Name Panthera wird nur für eine Unterfamilie der Großkatzen genutzt, zu der Leoparden und Jaguare gehören. Demnach ist der Puma, der zu den Kleinkatzen zählt, auch im wissenschaftlichen Sinne kein Panther. Pumas sind stets einfarbig und weisen Farben von gelblich über rötlich-braun bis silber-grau auf.
Ist ein Jaguar stärker als ein Leopard?Größer und massiger
Sie können ein Gewicht von 120 Kilo erreichen, während Leoparden maximal 90 Kilo auf die Waage bringen. Jaguare haben außerdem sehr starke Kiefermuskeln, riesige Zähne und die größte Beißkraft aller Großkatzenarten, sagt Boone Smith, ein unabhängiger Großkatzenforscher aus Idaho.
Wer ist stärker ein Jaguar oder ein Löwe?Er ist die drittgrößte Katzenart, nach Tigern und Löwen. Sein Alleinstellungmerkmal ist die große Beißkraft – der Jaguar kann ungefähr zweimal so stark zubeißen wie ein Löwe und hat somit das kräftigste Gebiss von allen Katzen. Das Aussehen ist dem des Leoparden, der in Asien und Afrika lebt, recht ähnlich.
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