difference between puma and cougar

Difference between puma and cougar

What's in a name? Mountain lion, puma, cougar, panther—this cat is known by more names than just about any other mammal! Mostly because it has such a large range, and people from different countries have called it different things. Early Spanish explorers of North and South America called it leon lion and gato monte cat of the mountaindifference between puma and cougar, from which we get the name "mountain lion.

National Parks. Did you know that mountain lions have the largest geographic range of any non-human land mammal in the Western Hemisphere? The reason is that people from various countries, from Chile to Canada, have different names for it. The animal also has a multitude of nicknames, such as the ghost of the Rockies, red tiger and mountain screamer, among others. However, these beauties come in a range of shades, from rust and grayish to a tawny tan, and their babies are spotted. Dark-colored markings are found on the ears, around the snout and on the tip of the tail.

Difference between puma and cougar

Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus. Jaguarundi Herpailurus yagouaroundi. In scientific classification taxonomy the Puma Puma concolor belongs to the genus Puma within the small cat subfamily Felinae of the Felidae cat family. Family: Felidae cats. Note: The scientific name for the Puma or Cougar or Mountain Lion species, Puma concolor, is also known as the binomial name, species name, latin name, biological name or zoological name. Some use the term 'botanical name' however that term is only applicable to the plant kingdom botany and not the animal kingdom zoology. Based on genetic studies referenced in the last taxonomic revision of Felidae in , six subspecies of Pumas are recognized:. The global conservation status of Pumas is Least Concern LC although some subpopulations are considered threatened. Pumas are widespread from Canada through North and Central America to South America, but have disappeared from many regions within this vast range due to persecution. The following organizations are actively protecting the declining populations of Pumas.

What's in a name?

Did you know the cougar holds one of the Guinness World Records for having the most names? Often called "the cat of many names," it's referred to as the puma, panther, mountain cat, mountain lion, mountain screamer, painter and catamount, just to name a few. In fact, the cougar has more monikers than almost any other living mammal, around 40 in English alone. The reason: The name used depends on location, and there are a lot of those to be had. Due to the cougar's knack for adaptability — think a fast and powerful muscular body, sharp eyesight and keen hearing, as well as the ability to swim, climb trees and jump long distances — this cat can be seen thriving in many varied habitats, from the Southern Andes in South America to the Yukon in Canada, and everywhere from forests to open areas with sparse vegetation.

The puma is the big cat of the Americas. Because these cats were found in so many places, local tribes or explorers had their own name for the large felines, including cougar, mountain lion, Florida panther and catamount. In fact, there are more than 80 names for the puma, more names than any other animal, according to the book " Cougar: The American Lion ," by Kevin Hansen. It is important to note, though, that pumas are not bobcats, lynxes, jaguars, cheetahs or leopards. Typically, pumas can be identified by a tan or slightly yellow coat, round face, long tail and erect ears. Adult males grow to 6 to 8 feet 1. Males typically weigh to lbs. A puma's tail is almost as long as its head and body combined.

Difference between puma and cougar

India is known to be the homeland of many wild exotic species for both plants and animals. Even in unexplored mountain ranges and deep forests, one could find many endemic species there which are not even explored or studied. Pumas and cougars are different names for the same species of a large feline, Puma concolor. This is so because to easily stalk upon their prey like — deer, goats, bighorn sheep, etc.

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Mostly because it has such a large range, and people from different countries have called it different things. Mammals in the Rainforest. Which destinations interests you most? The Incas of South America called the animal puma in their language, and it has a symbolic significance representing strength, wisdom and intelligence. More common references are the Colorado cougar and Yuma Arizona cougar. A denning site in Torres del Paine National Park. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Adventure cruising aboard expedition ships. MLA 8 S, Prabhat. The cat commonly drags a kill to a preferred spot, covers it with brush and returns to feed over several days. Projects include facilitating recolonization and dealing with new threats of road barriers and roadkill in built up areas in North America. South America. European Nature Adventures.

Pumas vs.

Mountain lions can jump 18 feet 5. They also hunt sheep, feral pigs, raccoons, armadillos, squirrels, hares and even porcupines. References Saskatoon Zoo Society: Cougar. Panther, meanwhile, is a generic term for any large cat with a solid-colored coat, and mountain lion was probably coined by Spanish explorers who labeled it both leon lion and gato monte cat of the mountain. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. The hotspots encompassed 6. Mountain lions hunt over a large area, and it can take a week for one to travel all the way around its home range. In Patagonia, the puma is the largest predator, and its range spans from Arica to Magallanes at the tip of Chile. While not black in color, it features tawny-beige fur and a curved tail. But though the cats can provide an extra source of revenue for local communities, this only works if both the animals and tourists stay safe. In , eight female cougars were brought from Texas to Florida to mate with males in an effort to reduce inbreeding and increase the population. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Long, muscular hindlegs give pumas superb jumping ability: They've been documented making horizontal leaps of 14 meters 45 feet , and one cat was seen springing 3.

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