What is the Difference Between Tiger and Cheetah?

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The main differences between tigers and cheetahs are their size, appearance, speed, and geographical distribution. Here is a summary of their differences:

  • Size and build: Tigers are larger and more muscular than cheetahs, with a robust body structure. Cheetahs are slender and built for speed.
  • Appearance: Tigers have a striped pattern on their golden yellow coat, while cheetahs have spots on their golden yellow coat. Cheetahs also have black tear marks on their face, which are not present in tigers.
  • Speed: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 mph. Tigers are not as fast as cheetahs but are still powerful predators.
  • Geographical distribution: Tigers are found only in Asia, while cheetahs are currently distributed only in Africa.
  • Roar: Tigers can roar, but cheetahs cannot. This is one reason why some experts do not classify cheetahs as big cats.
  • Hunting style: Tigers are ambush predators and are known for their powerful jumps and kills. Cheetahs, on the other hand, use their speed and agility to catch their prey, often running them down in a high-speed chase.

In summary, tigers are larger, more muscular, and have a striped pattern, while cheetahs are built for speed, with a slender build and spotted coat.

Comparative Table: Tiger vs Cheetah

Here is a table highlighting the differences between tigers and cheetahs:

Feature Tiger Cheetah
Scientific Name Panthera tigris Acinonyx jubatus
Distribution Asia Africa and Central Iran
Size Largest of the big cats Smaller than tigers
Coat Orange with black stripes Tan with round black spots
Markings No tear stripes Tear stripes from inner corner of eyes down to mouth
Speed Has a running speed of 65 km/hour Fastest land animal, reaching speeds of 72 mph in short bursts
Hunting Generally hunts alone Usually hunts during the day when lions are not very active
Roar Can roar Cannot roar
Habitat Lives in various locations, including China, India, and Russia Found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Swimming Strong swimmer Poor swimming skills
Diet Large to medium-sized animals like deer, moose, wild boar, etc. Small to medium-sized animals like gazelles, antelopes, and rabbits

Tigers are larger and heavier than cheetahs, with a distinctive orange coat and black stripes. They are found only in Asia and are considered the largest wild cat in the world. On the other hand, cheetahs are faster than any tiger and have a slender body with a tan coat and round black spots. They are found mainly in Africa and southwestern Asia. Cheetahs generally hunt during the day when lions are not very active, with a high success rate of one kill for every two attempts.