big cat
Savanna apex hunter
Big cat refers to the largest members of the cat family—lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and sometimes cheetahs, snow leopards, and cougars.
The term usually implies animals that can roar, though usage varies.
Big cats are endangered throughout their range.
In casual speech, any impressively large feline: That Maine Coon is a big cat.
Maned African feline
- tigerLarge striped Asian feline
- leopardSpotted African wild cat
- jaguarLarge American spotted cat
- cheetahFastest land animal
cougar · panther · snow leopard · puma · lynx · caracal · ocelot · serval
Loud, deep animal cry
- pounceSudden attack leap
- stalkPlant's vertical support
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- huntPursuit of quarry
prowl · territorial · solitary · nocturnal · stealth · camouflage · scent marking · grooming
Neck hair, horse/lion
tail · fur · coat · rosettes · stripes · spots · retractable claws · canines
Of or befitting royalty
- nobleTitled or virtuous
- king of beastsNickname for lion
- magnificentExceptionally beautiful or impressive
- powerfulHaving great strength
dominant · alpha · imposing · fierce · formidable · awe-inspiring · fearsome · graceful
Unpreyed-upon dominant hunter
- carnivoreCreature eating only animals
- preyAnimal being hunted
- killCause death
- maneaterCreature that hunts humans
attack · chase · takedown · suffocation · bite force · hunt · pack hunting · stalking
Tropical grassland ecosystem
- jungleDense tropical forest
- rainforestWet tropical woodland ecosystem
- grasslandTreeless herb-covered ecosystem
- territoryLand under jurisdiction
den · range · Africa · Asia · India · Serengeti · Sundarbans · Kruger
At risk of extinction
- poachingUnlawful wildlife capture
- habitat lossElimination of living spaces
- extinctionComplete vanishing of a species
- CITESWildlife trade agreement
sanctuary · wildlife reserve · captive breeding · reintroduction · protected · vulnerable · trophy hunting · ivory
- SimbaLion, in Swahili
- Tony the TigerAnimated cereal brand ambassador
- MGM lionMovie studio mascot
- NarniaFictional snow-covered kingdom
Bagheera · sphinx · heraldry · coat of arms · tiger mom · paper tiger · lion dance · mascot
Exceptionally brave and bold
- lion's shareGreatest part of total
- lion's denFierce feline's dwelling
- paper tigerSeeming strength, actual weakness
- tiger by the tailUncontrollable situation you're stuck with
lion
Maned African feline
cheetah · cougar · panther · snow leopard · puma · lynx · caracal · ocelot · serval · clouded leopard
roar
Loud, deep animal cry
hunt · prowl · territorial · solitary · nocturnal · stealth · camouflage · scent marking · grooming · basking
mane
Neck hair, horse/lion
paws · tail · fur · coat · rosettes · stripes · spots · retractable claws · canines · muscular
regal
Of or befitting royalty
- nobleTitled or virtuous
- king of beastsNickname for lion
- magnificentExceptionally beautiful or impressive
powerful · dominant · alpha · imposing · fierce · formidable · awe-inspiring · fearsome · graceful · agile
apex predator
Unpreyed-upon dominant hunter
maneater · attack · chase · takedown · suffocation · bite force · hunt · pack hunting · stalking · ambush predator
savannah
Tropical grassland ecosystem
- jungleDense tropical forest
- rainforestWet tropical woodland ecosystem
- grasslandTreeless herb-covered ecosystem
territory · den · range · Africa · Asia · India · Serengeti · Sundarbans · Kruger · Masai Mara
endangered
At risk of extinction
- poachingUnlawful wildlife capture
- habitat lossElimination of living spaces
- extinctionComplete vanishing of a species
CITES · sanctuary · wildlife reserve · captive breeding · reintroduction · protected · vulnerable · trophy hunting · ivory · illegal trade
Shere Khan
- SimbaLion, in Swahili
- Tony the TigerAnimated cereal brand ambassador
- MGM lionMovie studio mascot
Bagheera · Narnia · sphinx · heraldry · coat of arms · tiger mom · paper tiger · lion dance · mascot · sports team
lionhearted
Exceptionally brave and bold
- lion's shareGreatest part of total
- lion's denFierce feline's dwelling
- paper tigerSeeming strength, actual weakness