Cheetahs vs. Leopards
Do You Know The Difference?
Cheetahs and leopards are two of the most fascinating and graceful big cats found in the wild. Though they may appear similar at first glance, these predators have distinct characteristics, behaviours and habitats that set them apart.
Physical Appearance
Cheetahs
Cheetahs are built for speed. They have slender, aerodynamic bodies with long legs and a deep chest. Their light tan / tawny coats are covered in evenly spaced black spots, which helps provides excellent camouflage in grasslands and African savannas.
The cheetah’s most distinguishing feature is their “tear marks” — black streaks running from the inner corners of their eyes to the sides of their mouths. Cheetahs are diurnal by nature (active during the day), and these black eye markings help reduce glare from the sun while hunting.
Leopards
Leopards have a stockier and more muscular build compared to cheetahs. Their coats are adorned with rosette-shaped markings (clusters of black and tawny spots forming circular patterns) and smaller, solid black spots on their legs and faces.
Leopards lack the distinctive ‘tear marks’ cheetahs are known for. Nocturnal in nature (active during the night), leopards have excellent night-vision, which helps them to hunt in the dark. Their powerful build and long tails makes them excellent climbers, and can often be seen lounging in trees.
The Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
Cheetahs primarily inhabit open savannahs and grasslands in Africa, with a small population found in Iran. They prefer wide-open spaces that allow them to spot prey from a distance and utilise their speed effectively.
Conservation Status
Cheetahs are listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, with fewer than 7,000 individuals left in the wild.
Challenges
Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and a lack of genetic diversity are significant threats.
The African Leopard
Panthera pardus
Leopards are more adaptable than cheetahs and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including savannahs, forests, mountains, and even deserts. Their range spans across Africa, parts of Asia, and the Middle East
Conservation Status
Leopards are listed as “Vulnerable” globally, but their status varies by region. Some subspecies, like the Amur leopard, are critically endangered.
Challanges
Habitat destruction, poaching, and conflict with humans are the main challenges they face.
Speed and Agility
The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 120km/h (75 mph) in short bursts. They also have impressive acceleration and can increase their speed by 10km/h (6mph) in a single stride.
Their tails also help them ‘steer’ while running, allowing them to make quick turns at full speed. This incredible speed is supported by their lightweight frame, long tail for balance and specialised claws that provide traction, much like cleats.
Out of all the big cats, leopards are known for their incredible strength and adept climbing skills. Their strong limbs, long tails for balance, and incredible agility makes them exceptional climbers.
Leopards are even able to carry prey much heavier than themselves up into trees, which they use to avoid scavengers and store food. They can also leap up to 6m (20ft) in the air. While not as fast as cheetahs, leopards can run at speeds of up to 60km/h (36mph).
Behaviour and Hunting
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 112km/h (70 mph) in short bursts. This incredible speed is supported by their lightweight frame, long tail for balance and specialised claws that provide traction, much like cleats.
Leopards have a stockier and more muscular build compared to cheetahs. Their coats are adorned with rosette-shaped markings, which are clusters of black spots forming circular patterns. Unlike cheetahs, leopards lack tear marks. Their powerful build makes them excellent climbers, often seen lounging in trees.
Cheetahs vs Leopards
Learn More About the Differences Between Cheetahs and Leopards
While cheetahs and leopards share some similarities, their differences in appearance, behaviour and habitat make them uniquely suited to their respective environments. The cheetah’s unmatched speed and the leopard’s incredible strength and adaptability are testaments to the diversity of the natural world. Understanding and appreciating these differences can inspire greater efforts to protect both species and ensure their survival for generations to come
The Cheetah
Physique: Cheetahs have a long, slender build with a small head, long tail and elongated body.
Markings: Distinctive, black “tear mark” lines from the eyes down either side of the nose. Tawny/light tan fur with small, evenly spaced black spots.
Most Active: Early morning and late afternoon (Diurnal).
Hunting technique: Cheetahs rely on speed and agility and will stalk prey before making a quick charge (100m to 300m sprint) to catch their prey.
Claws: Non-retractable (retractable as a cub).
Top Speed: 120 km/h (70 mph).
Habitat: Prefer large open spaces to run and hunt, including savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid landscapes.
The African Leopard
Physique: Leopards have a large, stocky build with a bigger head, shorter tail, and muscular limbs.
Markings: Tawny/light tan fur with larger, clustered black and tan spots that form “rosette” markings. No ‘tear marks’ on the face.
Most Active: Dusk, Dawn and Night (Nocturnal).
Hunting techniques: Leopards rely on ambush and stalking techniques (often from the vantage of a tree) before pouncing on their prey.
Claws: Retractable
Top Speed: 60 km/h (36 mph)
Habitat: Dense bush (trees and shrubbery), forests, savannas, and mountainous landscapes.
