Big Cats of India

Taxonomically, Big Cats are members of Felidae family represented by three genera viz. Panthera (included Lion, Tiger, Jaguar, Leopard and Snow Leopard), Acinonx (includes Cheetah) and Puma (includes Cougar).
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa ) is not a big cat but is considered to be an evolutionary link between small and big cats.

Big Cats Found in India

Four big cat species are found in India in wild viz. Gir Lion, Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Snow leopard. Further, clouded leopard is also found in India. The Big Cats that are not found in their natural habitats in India are Jaguar and Cheetah. Cheetah got extinct as back as 1940s.

Only cat that lives in group

Lions are the only cats that live in groups, called prides. Prides are family units that may include up to three males, a dozen or so females, and their young.

Last habitant of Asiatic Lion

The last surviving population of the Asiatic lions occupies a compact tract of dry deciduous forest and open grassy scrublands in south-western part of Saurashtra region in Gujarat and are found in Gir forests and thorny thickets.

Major difference between Asiatic Lion and African Lions

The Asiatic lions have belly fold and distinctive tuft of hair on elbow which are absent in their African counterparts.

Clouded Leopard in India

Clouded Leopard is widely found in Himalayan Foothills in India, Nepal and Bhutan along with some other countries. It is considered to be most talented climbers among the cats, it can climb upside down and hang from branches with its hind feet.