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Panthers and jaguars are often confused with each other, and this is easily mistaken as the term “panther” is often used to describe several different species. In fact, the panther is not a separate species, but the term most often used to describe the black jaguar or black leopard. So, if you’re not sure which is which, don’t worry, as there are some key differences that can help differentiate them from each other.
For starters, the most obvious difference is the color of their fur, and this is the easiest way to tell jaguars from panthers. Also, one is more elusive than the other and prefers to stay in the shadows. But that’s not all, as these fantastic animals are much more than meets the eye. Join us and we will learn about all their differences.
Comparison of Panther and Jaguar
Panthers and jaguars are often mistaken for each other, as the panther is sometimes used to describe the jaguar. Actually jaguars Panthera oncaand the panther is either a melanistic jaguar or a melanistic leopard. (Panthera pardus)…
Melanistic animals are animals that have a lot of melanin in their skin. Melanin is the pigment in the skin and hair that causes animals to turn black instead of their normal color. In leopards, melanism is the result of a recessive gene, while in jaguars, it is a dominant gene. Since the only difference between melanistic jaguars and regular spotted jaguars is color, this article will mainly focus on the key differences between melanistic leopards (panthers) and spotted jaguars.
Check out the table below for a few key differences.
| Panther | Jaguar | |
| The size | Up to 130 lbs 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder |
120 to 210 lbs 25 to 30 inches at the shoulder |
| Location | Africa, Asia, India, China | Central and South America |
| Habitat | Rainforests, forests, woodlands, meadows | Deciduous forests, rainforests, wetlands, grasslands |
| Colour | Black, often with rosette markings (common to both jaguars and leopards) visible on the coat. | Pale yellow or brown with black spots. The rosettes on the sides have a spot in the center. |
| Body shape | Slender, muscular body, more pronounced head | Broad forehead, stocky body and limbs |
| Tail length | 23 to 43 inches | 18 to 30 inches |
| Murder method | A bite in the throat or back of the neck | Bite your head, crush your skull |
| Life span | 12 to 17 years old | 12 to 15 years old |
Six key differences between jaguars and panthers
Jaguar vs Panther: Size
Jaguars are the largest cat in America and the third largest cat in the world after lions and tigers. They weigh 120 to 210 pounds and usually reach 25 to 30 inches at the shoulder. If they are not a melanistic jaguar, then panthers are smaller than jaguars. They have shoulder heights ranging from 23 to 28 inches and weigh up to 130 pounds.
Jaguar vs Panther: Color
The most obvious difference between jaguars and panthers is their coloration. Jaguars are pale yellow or brown and covered in black spots that are rosette-shaped on the sides. These rosettes also have a prominent black spot in the center. On the other hand, panthers have long been known for their sleek black fur, which gives them such fame. However, even though the panthers are black, most of the time, you can still see the rosettes characteristic of both leopards and jaguars on their black coat.
Jaguar vs Panther: Body Shape
As already mentioned, jaguars are especially large and their size is obvious from their body shape. Jaguars have stocky legs and a large, muscular body. They also have wide foreheads and wide jaws. Panthers usually have a slender body and less stocky limbs. Their heads are also more pronounced and not as wide.
Jaguar vs Panther: Tail Length
Melanistic leopards have tails much longer than jaguars, and their tails can reach 43 inches in length. In comparison, jaguars’ tails reach 30 inches in length. This is because panthers often drag their dead up trees to protect them from other animals, so they use their long tails for balance when climbing. Although jaguars are also excellent climbers, they are at the top of the food chain and do not have a lot of predators. Therefore, they do not need to drag their prey up trees and do not need a long tail for balance.
Jaguar vs Panther: Location and Habitat
Panthers live in Africa, Asia, India and China and prefer forests, forests, rainforests and grasslands. Jaguars are found throughout Central and South America and live in deciduous forests, rainforests, wetlands, and grasslands. However, if the panther is a melanistic jaguar, then they will have the same habitat and habitat as spotted jaguars. Regardless of the species, panthers prefer to stay in the shade and are rarely seen outdoors.
Jaguar vs Panther: Prey Killing Method
Jaguars have one of the strongest bites among cats – again, behind tigers and lions. They usually kill their prey with one devastating bite to the head, which shatters its skull. Jaguars have such a strong bite that they can even pierce the shell of turtles and shatter the skulls of caimans.
Smaller than jaguars (unless they are a black jaguar), panthers kill their prey by biting the back of their necks or by biting their throats. They usually bite the throat of larger prey and crush its trachea, effectively suffocating it.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are jaguars and panthers the same animal?
The answer is yes and no, as it depends on which species is melanistic (black). The panther is not a separate species, it is a term commonly used to describe black leopards or black jaguars. So, if it is a black leopard, then the answer is no, but if it is a black jaguar, then the answer is yes!
Do panthers and jaguars belong to the same genus?
Yes, both panthers and jaguars of this kind Panther… Five members Panther – lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards and snow leopards.
Are panthers more elusive than jaguars?
Yes, panthers are considered more elusive than jaguars for several reasons. First, melanism affects only about 11% of the population of leopards and jaguars, which is why jaguars are much more numerous than panthers. Secondly, panthers tend to stay in the shade and in areas where they have a lot of forest cover, making them difficult to observe, especially due to their black fur. Panthers are believed to do this because their dark coat gives them an edge when hunting at night or in darker areas.
Can only jaguars and leopards be panthers?
No, just to be confusing, there are a couple of other animals that are also known as panthers. Although only melanistic jaguars and leopards are known as black panthers, mountain lions are also sometimes called panthers. In addition, the population of mountain lions native to Florida are known as the Florida panthers.
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