Panthera

mammal genus

Also known as: Leo, big cat, roaring cat

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The genus Panthera is a group of mammals within the cat family, Felidae. This genus includes well-known large cats such as the leopard (Panthera pardus), the lion, the tiger, and the jaguar.12

The term "panther" can also refer more broadly to specific cats like the puma (Puma concolor), which is sometimes called a panther, particularly in North America. The Florida panther is a specific population of puma found in southern Florida and is recognized as an endangered species. Black panthers are not a separate species but are melanistic (black-furred) individuals of leopards or jaguars. Unlike the big cats in Panthera, smaller cats in the subfamily Felinae have ossified hyoid bones that prevent them from roaring.1345

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The so-called “big cats” (genus Panthera), especially the lion, often roar, growl, or shriek. Usually, however, cats are silent. Many cats use “clawing trees,” upon which they leave the marks of their claws as they stand and drag their front feet downward with the claws extended. Whether such behaviour is…
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The so-called “big cats” (genus Panthera), especially the lion, often roar, growl, or shriek. Usually, however, cats are silent. Many cats use “clawing trees,” upon which they leave the marks of their claws as they stand and drag their front feet downward with the claws extended. Whether such behaviour is…
Read More