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When discussing taxonomy, or classification, of cats, the word 'family' has a very precise meaning, and all cats are in the same 'family' which is Felidae. At the sub-family level there is the Pantherinae which consists of all the larger cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards and clouded leopards. Within that sub-family there are just two different genuses - Panthera and Neofelis. Clouded leopards are in the genus Neofelis, and all the others are in the genus Panthera. Hence, snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are somewhat more closely related to leopards (Panthera pardus) than are clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa). More and more our thinking on animal classification is based on genetics, but clouded leopards also have a very unique skull morphology that sets them apart from others in the large cat group. For instance they have notable longer canine teeth in relation to its skull size than any other cat. They are also highly adapted to an arboreal life, more so than any other cat species.
The differences between snow leopards and other large cats was previously thought to be substantial enough that snow leopards were placed in their own genus as well (Uncia). Unlike other big cats their throat structure prevents them from roaring for instance. Recent genetic studies revealed that they are actually most closely related to tigers, and they were moved back into the Panthera genus. Yet the snow leopard's morphology, ecology, behavior, etc. make them quite distinct from leopards.
What else can I help you with?
What leopard meat?
The leopard meat animals.
Which animals are similar?
Minks are similar to ferrets although they tend to display more intelligent behavior
What two animals are the most solitaire?
The Sumatran rhinoceros and boa constrictors are said to be two of the most solitary animals in the world. Other animals that prefer to live in solitude are red pandas, opossum, and the leopard.
How do leopards know who their family is?
Pheromones. This is a smell given off by the animals. Related animals will give off similar smelling pheromones, thus preventing inbreeding. When leopard populations are isolated though, such as the Amur Leopard, they have no choice but to inbreed. When animals are isolated pheromones play less of a role over the pure instinct to procreate and survive.
Which of these animals is a carnivore - a squirrel or leopard?
A leopard is a carnivore, as it primarily eats meat such as other animals. Squirrels are typically herbivores, feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, and plants.
What is the big 5 in Kenya?
The big five animals of Kenya, I believe are, Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros.
What animals live where the clouded leopard lives?
the clouded leopard live in SE Asia
What is the African Jaguar?
The leopard, similar in appearance.
Is a leopard similar to cheetahs?
no but they are in the cat family
What animals are nearly extinct?
Amur Leopard
Animals in afica start with l?
leopard
Are there animals that eat okapis?
Yes, the leopard.
