How do the big cats rank in size?

Here's a ranking of the big cats from largest to smallest, based on average weight:

Largest:

1. Tiger (Panthera tigris) - The largest of the big cats, with males averaging 440-670 pounds.

2. Lion (Panthera leo) - The second largest, with males averaging 330-550 pounds.

3. Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) - One of the largest leopard subspecies, averaging around 150-220 pounds.

4. Jaguar (Panthera onca) - The third largest, averaging 150-250 pounds.

5. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) - Averages 75-165 pounds.

6. Leopard (Panthera pardus) - Averaging 70-200 pounds, but with large variation depending on subspecies.

7. African Wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) - Averaging 15-22 pounds.

8. Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) - Averages 40-80 pounds.

9. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) - The fastest land mammal, averaging 70-140 pounds.

10. Serval (Leptailurus serval) - Averages 26-40 pounds.

11. Caracal (Caracal caracal) - Averaging 44-60 pounds.

Smallest:

12. Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) - Averaging 15-26 pounds.

13. Flatheaded Cat (Prionailurus planiceps) - Averaging 6-8 pounds.

14. Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) - The smallest wild cat, averaging 2-3 pounds.

Note: This list only considers average weights. Individuals within a species can vary significantly in size, depending on factors such as habitat, diet, and genetics.