The following is a comparison between the two largest cats, lion and tiger. Let’s read.
Lion vs Tiger
Continent
- Lions are found in Africa and Asia. Lions of Asia are known as Asiatic lions. Asiatic lions are found in the wild only in India.
- Tigers are found only on the Asian continent in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and a few pockets in East Asia.
Lion vs Tiger – size comparison
The size of these big cats is different in different regions. In general, tigers are larger than lions. A Siberian tiger would easily outweigh any lion. A Southern African lion would easily outweigh a Sumatran or a Malayan tiger.
| Siberian tiger adult male weight range | 180-300 kg (400-660 lb) |
| Indian Bengal tiger adult male weight range | 160-260 kg (350-570 lb) |
| Sumatran tiger adult male weight range | 100-140 kg (220-310 lb) |
| Northern lion adult male weight range | 150-190 kg (330-420 lb) |
| Southern African lion adult male weight range | 150-225 kg (330-495 lb) |
Which big cat has a louder roar, Lion or Tiger?
A lion’s roar is louder than a tiger’s roar. It can be heard from as far as 8 km (5 miles). A tiger’s roar can be heard from a distance of up to 3 km (1.9 miles).
Scientific name
- Lion – Panthera leo
- Tiger – Panthera tigris
Group
Lions live in groups called pride. Tigers generally live solitary lives. A group of tigers is known as a “streak” or an “ambush”.
Lifespan
- Lion – typically 10 to 15 years in the wild
- Tiger – typically 10 to 15 years in the wild (in some areas the lifespan is less than 10 years)
Conservation
Both these big cats are a threatened species because of poaching, habitat loss, and food shortage. Tiger is more endangered among the two.
Habitat
Lions live in savannas. Tigers have a wide range of habitats, from jungle to savanna to even mangrove.
Hunting
- In pride, hunting is done mostly by the lionesses.
- Tigers hunt alone.
Swimming capability
Tigers are great swimmers. Lions generally avoid water. Tigers have been observed swimming over large distances in search of prey.
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