Here's why:
* Black panthers are melanistic leopards or jaguars. This means they are leopards or jaguars with a genetic mutation that causes them to have an abundance of melanin, making their fur black.
* Lynxes are a different species of cat altogether, belonging to the genus *Lynx*. They are known for their tufted ears and short tails.
So, while the term "black panther" often refers to a black leopard, it's important to remember that it's simply a color variation, not a separate species.