Difference Between Leopard and Cheetah

Table of Contents

• Difference Between Leopard and Cheetah
• Other Difference Between Cheetah and Leopard
• Some interesting facts about Leopard and Cheetah

Generally, cheetahs have a more slender build as they chase and kill their prey. Being the fastest land animal on earth, the cheetah needs to have a slender build to be streamlined and more efficient at running. A leopard, on the other hand, has a more muscular build. They ambush predators, meaning they stalk their prey and pounce on them when they are within attacking range.

The tail of the cheetah is quite flat, and it acts as a rudder on an aeroplane. They help in cornering and changing directions at speeds of over 80 km/h. The Leopard’s tail is more stocky and tubular. It acts like a counterweight and helps the animal climb trees and to drag their kill up a tree.

The other obvious difference is in their coats. Cheetahs have clear black spots all over its body and a leopard has irregular, rose-shaped spots called rosettes on its body.

Cheetahs have black, tear-like streaks that run from the corner of their eyes all the way down to their cheeks. These are theorized to help absorb blinding sunlight and reduce glare in the intense heat of Saharan Africa. These spots are completely absent on the leopard’s face.

The animal kingdom has innumerable organisms under its massive tree. And many organisms share the same features as other organisms. Sometimes, this leads to confusion between the different species.

Similarly, the difference between Leopard and Cheetah is quite inconspicuous because they possess the same body layout and similar markings on their body.

Let us have a look at the difference between cheetahs and leopards based on their structural characteristics:

These major differences can easily help us distinguish between leopards and cheetah.

Also Read: Diversity in Living Organisms

Following are some other differences between cheetahs and leopards:

Fact- 1

Both Cheetahs and Leopards are members of the Felidae family. Cheetah is mainly found in Africa, savannah grasslands and only a few parts of Iran.

Leopards are the most widespread wildlife found in most habitats from dense woodlands, mountains and desert regions.

Fact- 2

Animal welfare organizations have introduced cheetah projects into different Wildlife Sanctuaries to reintroduce cheetahs back into our country.

Fact- 3

Leopards hunt at night and live solitary lives, while Cheetahs hunt during the daytime and are very social. Cheetahs are fast runners and can run at a speed of 110-115 km/h, while leopards can run at a speed of 50- 60 km/h.

Fact- 4

Compared to Cheetahs, Leopards are very good tree climbers, as they can easily climb up with the help of their retractile claws while cheetahs cannot.

Fact- 5

Leopards have powerful teeth and jaws that can crunch thick bones. Cheetahs have smaller jaws and teeth with a larger nasal cavity for rapid breathing.

Also Read: Nomenclature and Biodiversity

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