Out on the sprawling African savannah, a golden shape slips quietly through the long brown grass, its sleek coat shimmering under the sun, but only visible to those who are paying attention.
Is it a cheetah or is it a leopard?
To the untrained eye, these big cats may look similar, but if you take a closer look, you’ll notice that they are quite different.
Understanding the unique traits of these majestic animals not only enriches your wildlife knowledge but it also adds excitement to your safari, as you’ll be only one of a few who will be able to tell these big cats apart (and that will certainly earn you big safari cred!)
About the Cheetah, the Animal Kingdom’s very own Schumacher
If you’ve ever wondered “Which animal runs the fastest?” you are about to get your answer.
The cheetah has been designed for speed and while it is a gorgeous big cat to look at, everyone on safari wants to see it run!
Capable of accelerating from 0 to 75 mph (120 km/h) in mere seconds, it’s no wonder this animal is often called the “fastest land animal.”
While their speed may be their claim to fame, cheetahs also play a big role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. By preying on weak or young animals, they, along with other predators, keep prey populations healthy by preventing overgrazing.
Distinctive Features
Cheetahs are known for their elegant, aerodynamic build. Their slim bodies, long legs, and flexible spines make them natural speedsters. As for their visually distinctive features, this is what to look for:
- Solid black spots which evenly cover their golden coat.
- Tear marks; black lines stretching from the corners of their eyes to their mouths, which help reduce glare from the sun during high-speed chases.
These features, combined with a small, rounded head, differentiate them from their bulkier feline relatives.
Behaviour and Social Structure
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs are diurnal hunters, meaning they prefer to hunt during the day to avoid competing with stronger, nocturnal predators like lions and leopards. Their hunting technique relies on sight rather than stealth, and their pursuits are short but intense, often ending in a minute or less, and which make for an exciting scene for those on safari.
Cheetahs also have unique social behaviours, which include:
- Male coalitions – Brothers often form tight-knit groups to defend territory and hunt together.
- Solitary females – Females raise their cubs alone, teaching them survival skills until they’re ready to fend for themselves.
Where to Find Them
Cheetahs thrive in open grasslands and savannahs where they can use their speed to its full potential. Popular destinations for spotting cheetahs include:
- Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
- Etosha National Park in Namibia.
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. (Cheetah can also be seen in the central to northern part of the Kruger National Park.)
Despite their iconic status, cheetahs are classified as vulnerable, with fewer than 7 000 left in the wild. Conservation is critical to their survival.
The Leopard, Stealthy Shadow of the Bush
If the cheetah is a sprinter, the leopard, who is a member of the Big 5, is a stealthy predator who moves quietly and by comparison slowly, through the bush.
Built for power rather than speed, leopards are muscular, agile hunters capable of dragging prey twice their body weight high up into trees to protect it from scavengers.
And their adaptability is unmatched.
Whether it’s surviving in a bustling Indian jungle or next to a river in Africa, leopards are masters of versatility. Their ability to climb trees, swim, and hunt in various terrains has made them one of the most widespread big cats in the world.
Distinctive Features
Leopards are instantly recognisable by their rosette-shaped spots and black markings with lighter centres that help them disappear into their surroundings. Other distinguishing traits include:
- Muscular build, with a stocky frame and thick neck, which gives them their strength.
- Broadhead and powerful jaws: Ideal for crushing bones and carrying heavy prey.
Behaviour and Solitary Lives
Leopards are the epitome of solitude. They move through widespread territories, marking their boundaries with scents and scratches. Encounters between leopards are rare, and generally only occur during mating.
They are nighttime hunters and tend to ambush prey under the cover of darkness.
Where to Find Them
Leopards are among the most widespread big cats, with habitats ranging from sub-Saharan Africa to parts of Asia. Prime leopard-spotting locations include:
- The Kruger National Park in South Africa.
- Okavango Delta in Botswana.
- Forested areas in Sri Lanka and India.
What is the Difference Between a Cheetah and a Leopard?
Though similar at first glance, cheetahs and leopards have distinct traits. Let’s weigh up the differences between these two magnificent creatures so that when you are out on safari, you won’t confuse the two.
Spots
At first glance, their spotted coats might look alike. Cheetahs have small, round, evenly spaced black spots, while leopards feature rosette-shaped markings with a hollow center.
Size and Build
Cheetahs are slender and built for speed, with long legs and a lightweight frame. Leopards, on the other hand, are stockier and more muscular, built for strength and climbing.
Eyes
Cheetahs have prominent black tear marks running from their eyes to their mouth, an adaptation to reduce sun glare while hunting during the day. Leopards lack these marks and have striking amber or green eyes.
Habits and Habitats
Cheetahs are daytime hunters that prefer open grasslands, while leopards are nocturnal and thrive in a variety of terrains, from forests to rocky outcrops.
How is Leopard Print Different from Cheetah Print?
When it comes to animal prints, the leopard and cheetah patterns are among the most iconic and they are also rather sought after in the fashion world. Here’s how they are different:
1. The Shape of the Spots
Leopards have rosette-shaped spots, which are irregular circular or oval patterns that often have a darker outline and a lighter colour inside. These rosettes create a complex, multi-dimensional appearance. Cheetah spots, on the other hand, are solid black dots of uniform size, scattered across their golden-tan coat. The simplicity of the cheetah’s print makes it look less intricate than the leopard’s.
2. Arrangement and Density
The rosettes on a leopard are arranged loosely, giving their coat a more scattered and dynamic pattern. This helps leopards disappear into forested or rocky environments. Cheetah spots are densely packed and evenly distributed, aiding their camouflage in the open grasslands and savannahs where they hunt.
3. Natural Habitat Influence
Leopards and cheetahs have evolved their coat patterns to suit their environments. Leopards, which often live in dense vegetation or mountainous regions, need rosettes that mimic dappled light and shadows. Cheetahs, built for speed in open plains, have spots designed for blending into grassy landscapes.
4. Symbolism in Fashion
Leopard prints are often associated with luxury, and boldness, and have an exotic reputation due to their intricate detail. Cheetah prints, with their clean and minimalist aesthetic, symbolise speed, energy, and simplicity.
Who is Stronger: Cheetah or Leopard?
When comparing the strength between a cheetah and a leopard, the leopard is the clear winner.
While the cheetah is designed for speed and agility, it sacrifices its brute strength for lightweight efficiency.
The leopard, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of muscle and raw power, making it one of the most formidable predators in the wild. But let’s take a closer look at the stats.
Physical Strength
Leopards are significantly stronger than cheetahs due to their muscular build and powerful jaws. A leopard can take down prey much larger than itself and carry it up a tree, a feat that requires incredible strength and stamina. This behaviour not only protects their meal from scavengers but it also demonstrates their dominance in the food chain.
Cheetahs, while fast, lack the muscle mass needed for such feats. Their slender frames are optimised for speed rather than power, allowing them to chase down smaller prey like gazelles and impalas. However, this trade-off means they struggle against larger competitors and scavengers, often losing their kills to hyenas or lions.
Bite Force
The leopard’s bite force is another significant advantage.
Leopards have a bite force of around 300 to 310 pounds per square inch (psi), enabling them to crush bones and deliver lethal bites to their prey.
In contrast, the cheetah’s bite force is far weaker, still sufficient for taking down smaller animals but not designed for overpowering larger prey or breaking bones.
Hunting and Combat
If a cheetah and leopard were to face off in the wild, the leopard’s strength would likely give it the upper hand.
With its superior size, stronger build, and sharp claws, the leopard would dominate in a physical confrontation. However, direct encounters between these two species are incredibly rare, as they occupy different ecological niches and often avoid conflict.
Adaptations and Survival
The cheetah’s advantage lies in its ability to outrun other predators, and they rely on speed to escape danger rather than fighting.
Leopards on the other hand, being more territorial and aggressive, will defend their kills and territories against other animals, including hyenas and lions.
In the wild, strength isn’t just about physical power, it’s also about survival strategy.
The cheetah excels in speed and precision, while the leopard reigns supreme in strength and stealth. Both are extraordinary predators, uniquely adapted to thrive in their environments.
Why Conservation Matters
Both cheetahs and leopards face huge threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and declining prey populations.
While cheetahs struggle with genetic bottlenecks and shrinking habitats, leopards face increasing pressure from urban encroachment and poaching.
Efforts to conserve these precious animals include creating protected areas, combating poaching, and promoting coexistence between wildlife and local communities. Without these interventions, the survival of these species could be at an even greater risk.
The cheetah and leopard are two of Africa’s most iconic animals, each with unique traits that make them remarkable. From the cheetah’s heart-stopping speed to the leopard’s silent strength, these predators are vital to their ecosystems and a treasure to behold.
Spotting them in the wild is an experience like no other and a potent reminder of the need to protect them and their habitats.
Ready to See Them in the Wild?
Dreaming of seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats?
With expert guides, you’ll not only spot these incredible animals but also learn all about their vital roles in the African wilderness.
Book your safari adventure today!