What is the Difference Between Panther and Puma?

The terms "panther" and "puma" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here are the differences between the two:

• Panther: This term is used to refer to members of the animal genus Panthera, which includes the tiger, lion, jaguar, and leopard. In some cases, it is also used to describe black panthers, which are melanistic color variants of jaguars or leopards. Another member of the Felidae family called a panther is the cougar, which is also known as the mountain lion.
• Puma: The word "puma" refers to the genus Puma, which is also the name for its member, the cougar. Pumas are native to the Americas and are closely related to the domestic cat. They are solitary animals that can be found in various habitats, including mountainous areas, hence the name "mountain lion".

In summary, the main differences between a panther and a puma are:

1. Panthers are members of the genus Panthera and include lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards, as well as black panthers and cougars.
2. Pumas are members of the genus Puma and are also known as cougars or mountain lions.

Despite these distinctions, both panthers and pumas are members of the Felidae or cat family.

Comparative Table: Panther vs Puma

Here is a table comparing the differences between panthers and pumas:

Both panthers and pumas belong to the Felidae family, but panthers are members of the Panthera genus, which includes leopards and jaguars, while pumas belong to the Puma genus. Panthers are found in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, while pumas inhabit the western parts of North and South America. Panthers typically have dark brown to black fur, while pumas have tan to brown fur without spots.