The publication “Red Book of Russia” announced its existence in 2001. This collection contains a considerable number of rare animals, their photographs and brief data.
The purpose of this publication is to attract public attention to the problem of protecting endangered animals and birds. Below is some interesting information about some of them.
It is this “lucky one” that has the largest horns. He is one of a kind.
This is the largest representative of the cat genus, which “chose” white snow and low air temperatures as its habitat. The hunting process in such conditions is quite complex. It is not easy for the tiger, however, he carries out tracking of deer and wild boars. This animal is the “pearl” of Russia. Incredibly unique! The species is quite rare and is distinguished by its expressive beauty: the belly has a five-centimeter layer of fat. Thanks to it, the animal is well protected from cold environmental conditions. Today, its population is growing in number.
The habitat of this representative is the waters of the Barents and Kara seas. The maximum size that the presented individual can reach is 4 meters. Its weight is also considerable - one and a half tons. There were times when this species practically disappeared. However, with the help of specialists, this individual has a slight increase in popularity.
This individual reaches a length of 3 meters and weighs one ton. This eared seal lives in Kamchatka and Alaska.
A distinctive feature from other representatives of its genus is its black sides and fins. Having arrived to the shores of the Baltic Sea, you can confidently wait to meet this “handsome guy”.
(Amur)
The species is at serious risk of complete extinction. Habitat: Primorsky Krai. Representatives of this species are also found in northeast China (in small numbers). In China, special attention is paid to the problem of protecting this species from extinction. The highest penalty for killing an individual is death. The reason for the extinction of these animals is the high percentage of poaching.
It is rightfully considered the largest representative of the “bear family”. In size it surpasses even the well-known grizzly bear.
A bright individual. It has an interesting swimming style: it arches its back. It got its name for this feature.
In appearance the animal is similar to a fox. Because of its beautiful fiery red fur, hunters shot wolves, so now the population of the predator has sharply declined. At the moment, rare flocks of 12-15 individuals can be found in the Far East.
The fox of this species is small in size: body length is up to 60 cm. In summer, the animal’s fur is short and gray in color, and in winter it becomes thicker and longer, acquiring a light gray tint. The animal lives in semi-desert and steppe.
Animals of this species are under threat because people kill them for their snow-white fur, from which they sew clothes. Individuals of the blue fox live on the coast of the Bering Sea.
Snow leopards live in Central Asia, and in Russia these animals are considered rare species. Due to the fact that they live in hard-to-reach places and harsh climatic conditions, the population has not yet been completely destroyed.
This is a wild cat with beautiful long hair. He lives in Transbaikalia and Altai. The animal population has decreased significantly due to human hunting.
This is the largest representative of the lynx genus, and an adult weighs about 20 kg. The animal's fur is very beautiful, and in winter it becomes soft and thick. The animal lives in dense forests and does not really like migration.
There are about 10 representatives of this species in the wild, and 23 individuals in zoos. Asiatic cheetahs live in the valley of the Syrdarya River.
These light-footed antelopes are found in the Altai Mountains. They live in the natural zone of deserts and steppes, have a yellowish-ocher color and long horns.
There are about 700 individuals of the Amur goral left in Russia, which move in groups of 7-8 individuals. In particular, they live in the Primorsky Territory.
Previously, bison lived in the forest-steppe, and the population numbered several thousand individuals. Now they are found in nature reserves; several dozen of these animals have survived.
This animal has fur that varies seasonally from light brown in winter to brown in summer. Both males and females have huge horns. Deer live in northern latitudes - in Karelia and Chukotka.
Other animals of the Red Book
The animal looks like a donkey, but has much in common with a horse. A representative of this species lives in the wild in semi-desert and steppe.
This insectivorous animal lives in Central Russia, weighs about 0.5 kg, and body length is 20 cm. The representative is a relict species, as it has existed for about 30-40 million years, but may disappear from the face of the earth, so it is now under protection of the state.
The rodent is small in size - about 15 cm. The head and back of the animal have brown-brown fur, and white fur on the belly and cheeks. The garden dormouse lives in spruce and beech forests.
The small animal is found in Russia in the region of Western Siberia and the Ural Mountains, and lives on the banks of reservoirs.
The seal is small in size, and an adult grows up to 1.5 m, has light gray fur, and has well-developed sensory organs. Found in the Baltic Sea and Lake Ladoga.
The marine cetacean is found in the waters of Kamchatka and the Far East. Adults grow up to 8 meters in length and weigh 2-3 tons.
Any cat deserves love, affection and decent treatment, just like any other animal on the planet. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a cute little pussy or a big and scary cat. Each of these 26 wild breeds is on the verge of extinction.
1. Asiatic cheetah
Once upon a time, this beautiful breed lived in the territories of Kazakhstan, the Middle East and Central Asia, as well as in some regions of India.
Today, due to the total destruction of the environment, countless poachers and hunters, there are only about 100 Asiatic cheetahs left in the world. Just look at this number! All these hundred found refuge in Iran.
2.Snow leopard
Found in the rugged mountains of Central Asia, snow leopards are well adapted to the cold, desert highlands.
Unfortunately, they have become the subject of widespread hunting for their fur. Now there are about 4000 - 6500 left in the wild.
3. Cat fisherman
Unlike my cat, who hates wet feet, the fishing cat is a skilled swimmer who lives along rivers, streams in mangrove swamps.
In 2008, the fishing cat was listed as critically endangered because they live primarily in wetlands, which are now rapidly declining.
4. Borneo Bay Cat
A mysterious and slightly wild cat that lives only on the island of Borneo. Tree cutting has become a threat to the habitat of these cats; they are now listed in the Red Book. This is one of the few high quality photographs of this cat.
5.Flat-headed cat
With a slender body and uniquely shaped head, this cat loves to eat fish and walk on its own. Listed in the Red Book since 2008 due to habitat destruction. At the moment there are less than 2500 individuals left.
6.Cat of the Andes Mountains
This cat is one of two hundred individuals that have been found on earth
7. Iberian (Spanish) lynx
The Iberian lynx is considered the most endangered wild cat species in the world, and is one of the rarest mammals on the planet.
Myxomatosis wiped out rabbits in Spain (the main source of food for lynxes) in the 1950s. There are now about 100 lynx left in the wild.
8. Cat Manula
These adorable ones love to spend their time in caves, crevices, or marmot holes, and emerge at the end of the day to start hunting. Due to habitat degradation and the decline of the food supply, the cat has been under threat since 2002.
9.Margi
Margi is ideal for life in trees. It is the only cat that can rotate its hind legs 180°, allowing it to work head down in trees like a squirrel. He can also hang from a branch with one back leg! More than 14,000 Margich are killed annually for their skins. Margs only breed once every 2 years, and the kitten mortality rate is 50%.
10.Serval
This cat loves to roam the African savannah and has the longest legs of any cat (relative to body size). Unfortunately, they have become the target of hunting for their skins, which are sold to tourists as "cheetah" or "leopard".
11.Caracal
Also known as the "desert lynx", this cat can produce a barking sound that may be used as a warning.
11.African golden cat
Only recently has it become possible to get a photo of this secretive nocturnal resident
This is a small wild cat, about twice the size of a domestic cat. Although their lifespan is unknown in the wild, they can live up to 12 years in captivity.
13.Asian golden cat
This cat loves to hang out in tropical and subtropical moist, evergreen and dry deciduous forests. Deforestation and hunting for its skin and bones are the reasons why this cat is endangered.
14.Sand cat
This unique cat has a broad head and fur growing between its toes to protect it from hot surfaces. It is endangered, so hunting it is prohibited in many countries.
15. Amur leopard
Due to extensive habitat loss and conflict with humans, Amur leopards are critically endangered, with only about 30 remaining in Russia and China.
16. Sumatran tiger
This tiger is the last of Indonesia's tigers to survive in the wild.
Despite the intensification of law enforcement policies and the fight against poaching, this species is still dying out. Fewer than 400 individuals remain in the wild.
17. Clouded leopard
The clouded leopard is considered an evolutionary link between big cats and small ones. They are threatened by habitat loss due to large-scale deforestation and commercial poaching for the wildlife trade. Fewer than 10,000 adults remain.
18.Marble cat
Often mistaken for a clouded leopard, this cat is much smaller and has a distinctive bushy tail. The main threat to this cat is believed to be the destruction of its forest habitat throughout Southeast Asia.
19.Leopard cat
This is the first wild cat to be successfully used in a hybrid breeding program, resulting in a beautiful and friendly Bengal breed.
20. Maltese tiger
Also known as the "blue tiger", this is a very rare tiger, one might even say mystical. It is currently unknown whether there are any living specimens left in the wild.
21.Golden Tiger Tabby
The tiger's name does not refer to its species, but is the result of captive breeding of the tiger in the early 1900s.
22.White lion
Not albinos, they are a genetic rarity that originated in the Kruger Canyon in South Africa.
23.Anatolian leopard
For more than 30 years, this Turkish leopard was considered extinct. In 2013, a shepherd in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir shot and killed a large cat that was threatening his livestock. Biologists later confirmed that it was an Anatolian leopard. Although it ended sadly, it gives hope that this species may still exist.
24. Red spotted cat, rusty cat
At 20-30 inches in length, including the tail, and weighing between 2 and 3.5 kg, it is the smallest wild cat in the world! We know almost nothing about this secretive cat. Unfortunately, this cat is listed as a "vulnerable" species because humans have converted much of its natural habitat into agricultural land.
25.Scottish wild cat
26.Black-footed cat
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Did you know that there are currently 41 species of cats living in the world? They are all wild. Absolutely all are predatory. Many of the species and subspecies are on the verge of extinction. In this article I would like to show all the diversity and beauty of the cat family. But first, I would like you not to be confused about the terms.
So, all cats belong to the order of predators, and then this order is divided into two suborders: canids and felines. Felidae include hyenas, mongooses, viverrids and felids. They are all very distant relatives, but cats are only those that are part of the feline family!
The entire cat family is divided into subfamilies: small cats and big cats.
Each subfamily is in turn divided into genera. There are especially many of them in the subfamily of small cats:
Genus Cheetahs (Acinonyx)
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genus Caracal
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genus Catopuma (Catopuma)
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genus Cats (Felis)
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genus Tiger cats (Leopardus)
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genus Serval (Leptailurus)
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genus Lynx (Lynx)
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genus Marbled cats (Pardofelis)
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genus Asian cats (Prionailurus)
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genus Golden cats (Profelis)
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genus Puma (Puma)
For the subfamily of big cats, everything is simpler:
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genus Clouded leopards (Neofelis)
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Panther genus
Now that we have determined which family cats belong to and divided them into subfamilies and genera, all that remains is to divide them into species! And there are 41 of these species. Each type is presented below.
Most likely, you will be trying to find your domestic cat breed or, for example, the Far Eastern leopard among all the species below. And you won't find them. Why? Because your domestic cat, like the Amur leopard, is a subspecies.
To make it easier for you to understand what a subspecies means, I’ll show you with an example where your domestic cat is located in the chain:
Family - felines / subfamily - small cats / genus - cats (felis) / species - forest cat / subspecies - your breed of domestic cat
And the Far Eastern leopard is here:
Family - felines / subfamily - big cats / genus - panther (Panthera) / species - leopards / subspecies - Far Eastern leopard.
I will describe the subspecies separately, otherwise this article will turn into such a big one that only a cat maniac like me can read it at once!
Well, now let’s finally get acquainted with all types of cats and admire them:
Subfamily - Small cats (Felinae)
genus - Cheetahs (Acinonyx)
species - cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus):
genus - Caracal
view - : 
genus - Catopumas (Catopuma)
view - Kalimantan cat (Catopuma bada): 
View - Asian golden cat (Temmincki cat) (Catopuma temmincki): 
genus - Cats (Felis)
View - Chinese cat (Gobi gray cat) (Felis bieti): 
View - jungle cat (House) (Felis chaus): 
View - ): 
Species - (Felis margarita): 
View - : 
View - forest cat (Felis silvestris). This is exactly the subspecies of the forest cat - your domestic cat: 
View - steppe cat (Felis libyca): 
genus - Tiger cats (Leopardus)(not to be confused with leopards!)
View - : 
View - Pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo): 
view - Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi): 
View - Chilean cat (kodkod) (Leopardus guigna): 
View - Andean cat (Leopardus jacobitus): 
View - ocelot (Leopardus pardalis): 
View - oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus): 
View - long-tailed cat (margi, margay) (Leopardus wiedii): 
genus - Servals (Leptailurus)
View - : 
genus - Lynx (Lynx)
species - Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis): 
View - common lynx (Lynx lynx): 
View - : 
View - red lynx (Lynx rufus): 
genus - Marbled cats (Pardofelis)
- Marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata): 
genus - Asian cats (Prionailurus)
- Bengal cat (Prionailurus bengalensis): 
View - Iriomota cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis): 
View - Far Eastern forest cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus): 
View - Sumatran cat (Prionailurus planiceps): 
View - spotted red cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus): 
View - fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus): 
genus - Golden cats (Profelis)
view - : 
genus - Puma
species - puma (Puma concolor): 
Conservation of snow leopard (irbis) and Altai mountain sheep (argali) populations in the Altai-Sayan ecoregion are the most important tasks for WWF. Both species are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation as endangered. The population status of these species reflects the overall “health” of the ecosystem, so they can be called indicator species.
The snow leopard is a mysterious predator of Asia. Threats and solutions.
The snow leopard (irbis), a mysterious and enigmatic animal, still remains one of the most poorly studied cat species in the whole world. Very little is known about the biology and ecology of this rare predator, and its number within the current range is determined very tentatively. For many Asian peoples, this animal is a symbol of strength, nobility and power; Asian folklore is full of stories and legends about this elusive predator. Few people manage to see a snow leopard in the wild; much more often you can find traces of its vital activity - scratches, predator scratches in the trees, fur, excrement, urinary tracts on stones.
The snow leopard is listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has the status of a rare or endangered species in all 12 countries where it lives: Russia, Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Bhutan.
According to WWF experts, in the Russian part of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion there are about 70-90 snow leopards, while there are no more than 4,000 individuals of the rare predator on the planet.
© Flickr.com / Linda Stanley
Camera traps in Tuva captured a charismatic predator © Alexander Kuksin
Journalists are rarely taken to these places. Even trained people find it difficult to walk on the “land of the snow leopard” © M. Paltsyn
Snow leopard track in the Argut River valley, Altai Mountains, March 2012 © Sergey Spitsyn
Festival “Land of the Snow Leopard” in Tuva © T. Ivanitskaya
What is WWF doing to save the snow leopard?
Back in 2002, WWF Russia experts prepared a document approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation. The document was developed taking into account the very limited experience of studying and protecting the species in Russia. The number of snow leopards in Russia, according to the Strategy, was estimated by WWF experts at 150-200 individuals, however, as shown by further studies in snow leopard habitats in 2003-2011. , the real number of the species in Russia is at least two times lower and is unlikely to exceed 70-90 individuals. An updated version of the Strategy, taking into account work experience and new realities, was approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation in 2014.
In Russia, the snow leopard lives at the northern limit of its modern range and forms only a few stable groups in optimal habitats - the mountains of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion. The number of snow leopards in Russia is only 1-2% of the world number of the species. The survival of the snow leopard in our country largely depends on the preservation of the spatial and genetic connections of its Russian groups with the main population core of the species in Western Mongolia and, possibly, in Northwestern China.
In 2010, WWF moved to a new stage of work and, in collaboration with numerous partners, began monitoring snow leopard populations using modern research methods: photo and video traps. This method made it possible to clarify the boundaries of the habitat of the groups and the abundance of the species. Disappointing conclusions were obtained from a study of the snow leopard group in the Argut River valley in the Altai Republic, previously considered the largest in Russia. Camera traps recorded only lynx, despite the fact that the conditions for the existence of snow leopards on Argut are ideal: high mountains, rocky gorges, the presence of the largest group of Siberian mountain goats in Russia of 3200-3500 individuals - the main food of the snow leopard in the Altai-Sayans. Surveys of local residents revealed the fact of the almost complete destruction of the snow leopard group on Argut in the 70-90s of the twentieth century, when the snow leopard fishery flourished in the mountains. WWF's task was to preserve the surviving remnants of the group and gradually restore its numbers.
One of WWF's priorities is supporting anti-poaching activities. In the same year, on the initiative of WWF, a German shepherd search dog, Eric, was trained to work in the Altai mountains in order to search and identify traces of snow leopard activity, becoming an assistant to specialists in the field.
In 2012, employees of the Altai Biosphere Reserve and WWF managed to obtain the first photographic evidence of the snow leopard’s habitat: cameras recorded a female and a male, named Vita and Hook. In addition to photomonitoring to record and study the elusive predator, in collaboration with scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution. A. N. Severtsov RAS (IPEE RAS), scientists use the method of DNA analysis of collected traces of snow leopard activity (excrement, fur, etc.), SLIMS and other modern techniques...
In 2011, in Altai, in order to distract the local population from poaching, illegal collection of wild plants or logging in the region, the WWF and Citi Foundation Program was launched to improve the quality of life of local residents and create a sustainable income from types of business that are sustainable for nature. With the help of training seminars, exchange of experience and provision of microgrants and microloans for the local population, WWF and Citi set goals for the development of legal small businesses in the field of rural tourism and ecotourism in the habitats of the Altai mountain sheep and snow leopard, the production of souvenirs and felt products, and improving performance quality of livestock, etc.
In 2015, with the support of the Pernod Ricard Rouss company, WWF specialists first tested a method of involving former hunters in environmental projects. Having undergone special training and received cameras for snow leopard monitoring, residents receive a reward for the fact that the snow leopard continues to be recorded by camera traps and remains alive and well. Already six people, including hunters from families of hereditary “leopard hunters”, have been trained in working with cameras and are participating in WWF raids, helping inspectors with information, forces and participating in expeditions.
The snow leopard is a predator that does not respect state borders. The well-being of this species directly depends on the connection between Russian groups and snow leopard groups in neighboring Mongolia and China. Therefore, the development of transboundary environmental cooperation is a priority task for WWF in the region. Joint research, exchange of experience, scientific, environmental and educational activities with WWF Mongolia and colleagues from other environmental structures in Mongolia are carried out annually and quite effectively. Joint projects with colleagues from Kazakhstan include the creation of protected natural areas and support for joint environmental activities.
Camera trap in the Chibit tract
© Alexander Kuksin
© Sergey Istomov
Sergei Istomov records snow leopard tracks
Snow leopard on Tsagaan-Shibetu, Tuva © A. Kuksin
© Mikhail Paltsyn
© Alexander Kuksin
What remains of the owner of the mountains
What to do next
Today, the main threat to snow leopards in the region remains illegal fishing using wire snares. An inconspicuous noose is installed by a poacher on an animal path along which animals move, and, tightening as the animal moves, it becomes a death trap. Cheap snares are often abandoned by poachers, and they remain wary for many years, threatening the animals with death. According to WWF experts, there are only a few cases of targeted hunting of snow leopards in the region. More often, loops are installed on other species of animals, in particular, on musk deer, whose musk gland is an excellent and expensive trophy that is valued in the eastern market for medicines and potions. Poaching of musk deer is a big threat to the snow leopard.
In conditions of insufficiently effective equipment and a small number of employees of government agencies for the protection of wildlife, WWF provides logistical support for operational activities in the habitats of rare and endangered species. Particular attention is paid to the fight against snare fishing.
Work in the Republic of Tyva has its own characteristics. In the region with the highest livestock population in the Siberian Federal District, shepherds live in the highlands almost side by side with the snow leopard. The decline in the number of wild ungulates and climate change are the reasons that force the snow leopard to attack livestock, which is the source of life for pastoralists. Shooting or trapping of snow leopards by local residents in retaliation for attacks on livestock is a major threat to the predator in Tuva. To reduce conflict situations, WWF is taking various steps. Thus, a scheme for paying compensation to shepherds for livestock lost as a result of a snow leopard attack was tested, and measures are being taken to instill a special attitude towards the rare predator among local residents. In 2010, a simple but effective measure to reinforce ventilation holes in covered cattle pens with chain-link mesh prevented snow leopard attacks on livestock and saved the lives of many predators.
Today, about 19% of key snow leopard habitats and 31% of argali habitats in Russia have the status of protected natural areas. WWF plans to expand the network of protected areas or improve the status, as well as the quality of protection, management and existing protected areas. The number of the group in the Argut River valley is growing - photos and video traps record the presence of females with kittens here, a new habitat of the snow leopard has been found on the Chikhachev Ridge. In 2015, for the first time, an online information system was developed for snow leopard specialists, which will collect all available information on every snow leopard encountered in Russia and Mongolia - from footage from automatic cameras to meeting places and the characteristics of each snow leopard.
International cooperation between Russia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan should develop, ensuring the conservation of animals that do not respect state borders.
WWF will continue to take an integrated approach and work in partnership with multiple partners. This will optimize resources and ensure the long-term conservation of these species in the Altai and Sayan Mountains.
Big cats include the largest representatives of the cat family. And yet, the main criterion for belonging to big cats is not size, but structure.
So, big cats include lion, tiger, jaguar, leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard, but do not include species such as puma and cheetah.
Let's get to know these most beautiful and graceful predators in the wild.
a lion
A lion. King of beasts. One of the four representatives of the panther genus, belonging to the subfamily of big cats. It is the second largest cat after the tiger - the weight of males can reach 250 kg. But in terms of shoulder height, the lion holds the record among all cats.
This species originally evolved in Africa about 800,000 - 1 million years ago.
The appearance of a lion is very characteristic: males are much larger than females and have a luxurious mane up to 40 cm long. No other cat has anything like it. The mane visually increases the size of the lion, and also helps to intimidate other males and attract females who prefer “men” with more luxurious hair. 
Both lions and lionesses have a fluffy tuft at the end of their tail - a “tassel” about 5 cm long. It is absent at birth and begins to appear at about 5 months of age. 
The color of a lion is usually yellow-gray in various shades, the mane is the same color as the skin, but it can be dark, even black. 
At the end of the 20th century, evidence of the existence of white lions appeared. Before this, for hundreds of years they were considered the fruit of legends traveling around South Africa: 
These are very rare cats: 
Lions are super predators, i.e. occupy the top position in the food chain. However, besides humans, there is another predatory animal that can pose a threat to the lion - the crocodile. If they collide, these two species can cause very serious injuries to each other. Lions are capable of attacking crocodiles when they come onto land, while the most ancient reptiles attack lions when they enter the water. 
Unlike other cats, they do not live alone, but in special family packs - prides. Hunting and obtaining food are usually done by females, who act in groups. Males are engaged in protecting the territory, driving out uninvited guests from them. Another reason why males do not hunt is the mane, which can interfere with camouflage. The lion's fangs are 8 cm long, so these cats are capable of killing quite large animals. Despite the fact that lionesses have very sharp teeth, prey is killed in most cases by strangulation. 
In nature, lions live from 10 to 15 years; in captivity they can live more than 20 years. True, males rarely live more than 10 years, since constant fights with other lions significantly reduce their life expectancy. 
Unfortunately, these big cats are considered a vulnerable species due to their irreversible population decline. Over the past 20 years, the number of lions in Africa has decreased by 35–50%. 
Jaguar
This is the third largest cat in the world, and the largest cat in the New World. One of the four representatives of the panther genus. The body length without tail is usually 120-185 cm, and the weight in some cases is up to 120 kg. The record in nature is 158 kg. In the Guarani language, yaguara meant “beast that kills with one leap.” 
The oldest remains of a jaguar date back to the late Pliocene (approximately 2 million years). According to morphological characteristics, the jaguar is most closely related to the leopard, very similar to it, but larger and heavier. 
The main body color of the jaguar is closer to sand. There are spots scattered across the body that are darker than the general background of the body: solid, rings and rosettes. There are also completely black jaguars that look like panthers: 
Unlike lions, jaguars have a solitary lifestyle. Like all cats, jaguars are territorial predators; The hunting area of one jaguar occupies 25-100 sq. km., depending on the landscape and the amount of prey, and is usually a triangle. 
The jaguar is a crepuscular predator. He hunts after sunset and before dawn. The main prey of the jaguar are capybaras and ungulates such as deer and peccaries, although it also hunts turtles: its powerful jaws can even bite through the shell. When attacking, this cat tries to injure the victim with a strong blow at the moment of the fall. This is a one-shot hunter: if the prey runs away, the jaguar never pursues it. 
The jaguar's main method of hunting is ambush in a tree or in tall grass. Also, prey will not be able to escape in the water - jaguars are excellent swimmers. 
In a significant part of its former range, this species has been almost or completely exterminated. The Jaguar is listed in the International Red Book. 
Snow Leopard
The irbis, or snow leopard, lives in the mountains of Central Asia. It is a fairly large cat, but smaller than a leopard, with a long, flexible body, relatively short legs and a very long tail. Length including tail - 200–230 cm, weight - up to 55 kg. Recent research suggests that snow leopards were probably common between 1.2 and 1.4 million years ago. 
The fur color of the snow leopard is light smoky gray with ring and solid dark spots. Since the snow leopard is an inhabitant of the high rocky mountains of Central and Central Asia, its fur is very thick, its length on the back reaches 55 mm - it provides protection from the cold, harsh conditions of its habitat. Thus, in the Himalayas, the snow leopard was encountered at an altitude of 5400-6000 meters above sea level. 
Snow leopards lead a solitary lifestyle. A low prey area of 1,000 sq km can only accommodate up to 5 cats. The snow leopard makes its lair in caves and rock crevices. 
The snow leopard is able to cope with prey three times its mass. In most cases, he hunts before sunset and at dawn, attacking from behind cover. The snow leopard tries to grab large prey by the throat and then strangle it. 
Currently, the number of snow leopards is catastrophically low. In the 20th century, this cat was included in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and in the Red Book of Russia. 
Leopard
The leopard is another representative of the big cats, significantly smaller in size than the lion and tiger, one of the four representatives of the panther genus. Outwardly, it looks like a jaguar, reduced in size. Body length without tail is up to 190 cm, weight is up to 75 kg. According to fossil remains, the first ancestor of the leopard appeared in Asia 3.8 million years ago. 
The skin of the animal is a golden background, on which solid or ring-shaped black spots are randomly scattered. Typically, the fur color in winter is paler and duller than in summer. As with the jaguar, melanistic leopards called black panthers are found in the wild (usually in Southeast Asia). The leopard is perhaps one of the most graceful and beautiful cats. 
The leopard is a solitary and nocturnal animal. He climbs trees so deftly that sometimes he even catches monkeys. However, the leopard hunts mainly on the ground, using two techniques: sneaking up on prey and waiting in ambush. 
To prevent hyenas from getting their prey, leopards drag it into trees. The area of a leopard's hunting area can reach 400 sq. km. depending on the region, terrain and abundance of prey. 
Like lions and tigers, there are cannibals among leopards; usually these are old or sick individuals who are unable to hunt their usual prey. A person is a very easy target for this predatory cat. Thus, in the 20s of the 20th century, the “Rudraprayag cannibal” operated in India. This leopard counted 125! cases of officially registered murders of people. 
For many peoples, the leopard is a symbol of cruelty, ferocity, aggressiveness, and fearlessness. Unfortunately, the leopard is an endangered species. In the 20th century, it was included in the IUCN Red Book and the Red Book of Russia. 
Clouded leopard
The clouded leopard is a large cat that lives in southeast Asia and vaguely resembles a leopard. This is a fairly ancient species, as well as a possible ancestor of the current large cats. 
The clouded leopard is the smallest “big cat”: its size corresponds approximately to the size of a shepherd dog. Body length - 80–100 cm, weight - up to 21 kg. A characteristic feature of this cat is its long tail.
Small but toothy: 
Clouded leopards are found in southeast Asia and live solitary lives. Among cats, clouded leopards are the best at climbing trees, even better than the leopard itself. They wait for their victims (deer, wild boars, monkeys and birds) on branches and suddenly pounce from above.
The pattern on the coat of a clouded leopard is unusual: large, unequally shaped black spots are scattered on a yellowish background. The entire species is considered endangered. 
Tiger
The tiger is the largest and heaviest cat and one of the largest land predators, second in mass only to the white and brown bears, one of the four representatives of the panther genus. Already about 2 million years ago, tigers were widespread in eastern Asia. 
Tiger subspecies vary greatly in size and weight, but the largest are the Bengal and Amur. Males can reach up to 2.4–2.8 meters in length without a tail and weigh up to 275 kg, and in some cases up to 300–320 kg. The record in captivity is 423 kg for the Amur tiger. For comparison, the weight of lions usually does not exceed 250 kg with approximately the same length. 
The tiger's entire body is covered with stripes, the color of which varies from brown to completely black, and the tail always ends in a black tip. 
Due to mutation, very rare animals exist in nature - white tigers. The frequency of their appearance is one individual in 10,000 with normal coloring. They are Bengal tigers with black and brown stripes on their white fur and blue eyes. There are currently 130 white tigers in zoos: 
An even more rare color change is gold. There are only 30 golden tigers in zoos around the world: 
Tigers are solitary and territorial predators. The territory of one male is usually 60–100 sq. km. When hunting, tigers use two techniques: sneaking up on prey, moving in short, careful steps, often crouching to the ground, and waiting in ambush. 
During an attack, a tiger can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h on almost any terrain, and can also jump to a height of up to 5 meters and 9-10 meters in length. Sometimes the weight of this powerful cat’s prey is 6-7 times its own. 
These majestic cats are also an endangered species. In the 20th century, it was included in the IUCN Red Book and the Red Book of Russia. 
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