How many species of predatory cats are there? - briefly
There are approximately 40 known species of predatory cats in the world. These include well-known species like lions and tigers, as well as lesser-known ones such as the margay and the fishing cat.
How many species of predatory cats are there? - in detail
Predatory cats, also known as felids, are a diverse group of carnivorous mammals that have evolved and adapted to various habitats around the world. The exact number of species within this family can vary depending on taxonomic classification and recent genetic studies. Traditionally, the Felidae family is divided into two subfamilies: Pantherinae and Felinae.
The subfamily Pantherinae includes the larger cats, such as lions (Panthera leo), tigers (Panthera tigris), jaguars (Panthera onca), and leopards (Panthera pardus). There are four recognized species in this group.
The subfamily Felinae comprises the smaller cats, which are further divided into several tribes. The tribe Acinonychini includes just two species: the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). The tribe Lynxini consists of four species: the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), and bobcat (Lynx rufus). The tribe Ochelidae includes just one species, the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).
The largest tribe within Felinae is the Caracalini, which contains several genera and numerous species. This tribe includes the African golden cat (Profelis aurata), Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii), bay cat (Catopuma badia), caracal (Caracal caracal), jungle cat (Felis chaus), wildcat (Felis silvestris), and domestic cat (Felis catus). Additionally, there are several species within the genera Leopardus and Pseudailurus.
In total, there are approximately 40 recognized species of predatory cats worldwide. However, this number can change as new research and genetic studies provide more insight into the relationships between these species. Some populations that were previously considered separate species may be reclassified as subspecies or even synonymous with other species, while others may be elevated to full species status based on new data.
The diversity of predatory cats is a testament to their remarkable adaptability and resilience in various ecosystems. Understanding the number and distribution of these species is crucial for conservation efforts aimed at preserving the richness of our planet's biodiversity.