What's the difference between a tiger, a leopard, and a cheetah? The tiger's return to Gujarat after 32 years has sparked widespread debate

The tiger's movements have been captured on camera. Let's take this opportunity to learn the difference between a tiger, a leopard, and a cheetah, and how to distinguish them by sight.

After 32 years, tigers have returned to the forests of Gujarat. State forest officials have confirmed the presence of a male Royal Bengal tiger in the Ratan Mahal Wildlife Sanctuary in Dahod district. 

This is the first sighting in 32 years. The tiger's movement between Ratan Mahal and the Jhabua and Kathiwada areas of Madhya Pradesh was captured on camera. Following this, continuous monitoring has been initiated.

Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia says the tiger's arrival highlights the strengths of Gujarat's ecosystem. Renowned worldwide as the last refuge of Asiatic lions, the state has now joined the rare Indian states where all three members of the cat family—lion, leopard, and tiger—are found. Let's take this opportunity to learn the difference between a tiger, leopard, and cheetah, and how to identify them by sight.

Leopard: Confirm by rose-shaped spots

Leopards are more powerful than tigers. Their maximum length is 6.2 feet. They are smaller than tigers and larger than leopards. Leopards can run at speeds of up to 58 kilometers per hour. The spots on leopards' bodies are called "rosettes" because they resemble roses. These spots are their most distinctive feature.

Leopard Interesting Facts

Leopard can run at a speed of 58 kilometers per hour.

Leopards have their own territories and leave scratches, urine scent marks, and feces on trees to warn other leopards. They prey on insects, fish, deer, and monkeys. Leopards are adept at climbing mountains and prefer to rest on tree branches.

Female leopards give birth to two or three cubs each time. Leopards have different vocalizations. Leopards use a harsh growl to alert other leopards. They growl when angry and purr like a domestic cat when happy.

Cheetah: Identified by two black stripes near the eyes

The cheetah is found mostly in Africa and central Iran. Its most distinctive feature is its tear mark. Its face features two long black stripes running from the eyes to the nose, giving the impression of tear lines beneath the eyes. Leopards and tigers do not have these markings.

Cheetah Interesting Facts

The tear marks near the eyes confirm that it is a cheetah.

It is the fastest running animal. It is capable of running at speeds of 80 to 128 km/h. The cheetah's physical characteristics include a light body, long, slender legs, and a long tail. 

The cheetah takes three steps per second, covering a distance of seven meters in one stride. Cheetahs are always tired and exert themselves only 12% of the day.

The cheetah's body is shaped so that each limb supports movement, with its claws acting like the studs on football boots for added grip while running, while its long, muscular tail acts as a rudder, helping it make sharp turns. Cheetahs hunt mostly during the day and do not roar, but instead growl, howl, hiss, and growl.

Tiger: Straight stripes are the biggest identity

Tigers are the easiest to identify. Their orange fur, with dark, straight stripes running down the white line, is a sure sign of a tiger. Tigers hunt alone and forage at night. They primarily feed on large animals.

Tiger Interesting Facts

Tigers hunt alone and search for food alone at night.

Unlike most members of the cat family, tigers are excellent swimmers. They spend most of their time in pools or streams. With a running speed of 65 km/h, a tiger's roar can be heard up to three kilometers away. No two tigers have the same stripes. Their fur has its own unique pattern.