Here is a comparison between the two:
1. Size and Weight
- Cheetahs: 1.5-2.5 meters long, weighing 20-65 kilograms.
- Leopards: 1-1.8 meters long, weighing 35-90 kilograms.
2. Speed:
- Cheetahs: Known for their speed, they can reach up to 112-120 kilometers per hour in short bursts.
- Leopards: While not as fast as cheetahs, leopards can reach speeds of up to 58-65 kilometers per hour.
3. Strength and Bite Force:
- Cheetahs: Possess long and slender bodies built for speed, with weaker jaws and a bite force of around 250 pounds per square inch (PSI).
- Leopards: Despite being smaller in size compared to other big cats, leopards have exceptionally powerful jaws and a bite force of approximately 300-350 PSI, enabling them to subdue and kill prey.
4. Hunting Techniques:
- Cheetahs: Cheetahs are cursorial hunters, meaning they rely on their speed to chase and catch prey. They usually target smaller animals like gazelles, impalas, and hares.
- Leopards: Leopards are highly proficient ambush predators. They typically lie in wait and pounce on prey from a hidden position, using their strength to overpower and kill their quarry. They have a diverse diet, including antelopes, monkeys, and even livestock.
5. Habitat:
- Cheetahs: Found in open grasslands and savannas in Africa and a limited range in Asia.
- Leopards: Distributed across a wide range of habitats, including forests, savannas, and even mountainous regions in Africa and parts of Asia.
Conclusion:
While cheetahs are known for their remarkable speed and agility on the open plains, leopards possess superior strength, a more powerful bite, and a broader habitat range. Leopards are more powerful and formidable predators overall.