What is the difference between a jaguar and a leopard (Panthera onca and Panthera pardus)?
A jaguar and a leopard are different species. The jaguar (Panthera onca) is the third largest cat in the world (after the tiger and lion). It is more heavily built than the leopard, with a broader head and shorter legs and tail. It is found in Central and South America. In colour it is deep gold, patterned with black spots arranged in large rosettes. It is fond of water and often hunts turtles, fish and even caiman, as well as species such as deer, tapirs, peccaries and capybara. Jaguar image: http://t3.pacific.edu/teams/M013105/PV-J… The leopard (Panthera pardus) is the most adaptable and widespread of the large cats, being found across Africa and Asia. It is smaller and more lightly built than the jaguar, with proportionally longer legs and tail. The background colour of its coat tends to be lighter, ranging from pale yellow to tawny, and its spots are arranged in much smaller rings. I
