NARRATOR: The animal kingdom. A remarkable array of living,
breathing natural wonders. Majestic... compelling... ingenious... and extraordinary. Fascinating... physical... visceral... and ferocious. Discover their past, present
and future. Just stunning. Just glorious. Just amazing. Just animals. Big Cats. The largest felines in the world. It's an elite group
with only four members. Tigers... lions... jaguars... and leopards. The determining factor that
allows entry into this quartet? A big cat's ability to roar. These impressive mammals
are found in Africa... Asia... and the Americas. Apart from their roar,
big cats all have magnificent coats, each with their own
distinct colours and patterns. Their attractive exteriors are one of many reasons these
exotic felines are admired. Natural power... cunning stealth... and remarkable presence all add to the global appeal
of big cats. In the animal kingdom, big cats
belong to the Felidae family, a group of carnivorous,
or meat-eating, mammals. As mammals, female big cats give
birth to live young, called cubs, which suckle on mother's milk. Having fur is another
mammalian characteristic. How lush the coat is
depends on the cat's habitat. Species from cooler climates
tend to have thicker fur. It is thought that 38 species
of cats prowl the world. Big or small, every cat belongs
to one of two sub-families. Big cats belong to the
Pantherinae sub-family... while the remainder of cat species
belong to the Felinaes sub-family. It might be surprising that large
cats such as cheetahs and cougars aren't classed as 'big cats' -
but this is not determined by size. As mentioned earlier, it all depends
on whether the cat can roar or not. Some other examples
from the Felinaes sub-family are servals and bobcats. While this side of the family
can purr, big cats can't. As we know, they roar... a vocalisation made possible
by two special anatomical features. One is a flexible hyoid apparatus
in their throat, a combination of bone and ligament. The further it stretches,
the deeper the roar. The shape of their vocal chords
also makes roaring possible. Theirs are flat and square... which requires a smaller amount of
lung pressure to produce loud sounds. Lions have the longest larynxes,
or voice boxes, and are capable of the loudest roars, similar in volume to a rock concert,
114 decibels - verging on being painful to hear. Like their smaller relatives, big cats have sleek,
flexible, muscular bodies. Long tails are a common feature, often between a third to a half
of the cat's body length. When in motion,
cats walk on their toes. This form of locomotion
is called digitigrade. Feline paws have soft
pads on the soles and their claws are protractible. At rest, the claws are retracted,
hidden away. When needed, the muscles
in the cat's toes contract, forcing the claws to protract,
or extend out of their sheaths. Sharp claws are coupled with
strong jaws and sharp teeth. Compared to other mammals,
felines have shorter faces, which means they have
less space for teeth. Cats have 30, compared to the 42 teeth
housed in the long muzzles of dogs. Felines do put what teeth
they have to efficient use. Long, strong canines are used
to stab and kill prey. Tigers have the longest in any cat,
up to 7.5 centimetres long. Felines have molars
called carnassials, which work like scissors, shredding
meat as they move against each other. Cats are also known
for their rough tongues, which are covered with
backward-facing spines that rasp or scrape off
feathers, fur and meat. In addition, their tongues make
effective grooming tools. With their list of lethal features, combined with strength
and intelligence, it's no surprise that big cats are some of the most successful
terrestrial predators on the planet. Cats are adaptable creatures and are found on every continent
except Antarctica. The largest felines of all, tigers, can be found in Asia,
which hosts six sub-species. These big cats are known for their vertically striped coats
of reddish-orange fur. Similar to fingerprints, the striped patterns on a tiger
are unique to each animal. Markings continue
down to their tails, which are ringed by dark bands. Tigers are sturdy cats with short, thick necks, wide shoulders... and large, muscular forelimbs... the perfect build
to wrestle and hold prey. Siberian or Amur tigers are the
heavyweights of the tiger world. Males can weigh about 320 kilos. Females are close to half their size. In the wild,
these endangered cats persist in Russia's Far East plus small areas
near the border of China, with some possibly inhabiting
regions in North Korea. The thick fur on a Siberian tiger
is pale orange, the lightest of all tigers,
with brown, not black, stripes. Around their necks
they have a ruff of white fur, to match their pale chests
and bellies. In the past, Siberians
were larger animals... but recent studies show Bengal tigers now have
the longest bodies, measuring up to 310 centimetres - 60 centimetres longer
than their Siberian cousins. Bengals are primarily found
in the Indian subcontinent, explaining why they're also
known as Indian tigers. While they are endangered, Bengals
are the most common tiger species. Their orangey-red fur
is accented with black stripes. A rare form of Bengal
is the white tiger. They are not albinos -
they are what's known as leucistic, a genetic condition that causes them
to lack pigment in their fur. The smallest in the group
is the Sumatran tiger, a critically endangered species
from its namesake Indonesian island. Compared to other sub-species, the stripes on these tigers
are much closer together... which is thought to help camouflage
these ambush hunters in their forest habitat. The next big cats, lions, are often
called the kings of the jungle, despite the fact they usually
reside in grasslands. Recent genetic research divides
lions into two sub-species. One has populations roaming across
Central, North and West Africa, plus India, while the second group inhabits
Southern and Eastern Africa. As with other big cats, females,
or lionesses, are smaller in stature. Compared to the rest of the big cats, lions have a plain appearance,
a uniform tawny coat. Mature males make up for this
with their manes, long shaggy ruffs around their neck
and shoulders. What looks like a furry shield
is actually a natural billboard. Like a peacock attracts attention
with its showy train, the size and colour of a lion's mane
advertises his fitness to others. Lions that live in open environments
tend to have fuller manes. Another unique feature is the dark
tassel on the end of their tail. Lions are the only cats to display
these special tufts. On lions found in India,
these tufts are longer. This population shows
some other slight differences to their cousins in Africa. They have a skin fold on their belly
and males have shorter manes. As seen in tigers,
white lions also exist. Again, they are leucistic. This rare colour mutation seen
in lion populations in South Africa. Following lions, in terms of size, is the jaguar, a big cat native to
parts of Central and South America. With a body length
of 180 centimetres, they are the largest wildcats
found in the Americas. Jaguars are stocky, muscled felines, with round heads
and small eyes and ears. The markings on their golden coats
are called rosettes. A jaguar's rosettes have
spots in the middle. In contrast, the rosettes
on a leopard's fur don't. While these two big cats
look similar, there are obvious differences. Geographically,
they live worlds apart, with leopards found in Africa
and Asia. Of the big cats,
leopards are the smallest. Depending on where they live, males
can range between 37 and 90 kilos. Once again, females
have lighter builds. While jaguars are on their own, there are nine sub-species
of leopards. The snow leopard is a separate
species altogether and unlike other leopards,
they cannot roar, due to the physiology
of their voice box, a fact that excludes them
from the big cats group. One unusual characteristic
seen in jaguars and leopards are individuals with black fur, caused by melanism,
the opposite to albinism. This genetic mutation results in the increased development of dark
pigments in the animal's coat. Whether they are jaguars or leopards, these darkly furred cats are
commonly called black panthers. Despite the heavy pigmentation,
their rosette markings are visible. No matter what colour their fur, the
rosettes are like a tiger's stripes - the patterns they make are unique. The big cats. A remarkably diverse group
of extraordinary felines. As apex predators, the big cats have an impressive
arsenal of adaptations and skills that keep them at the top
of the food chain. Felines are known
for their stealthy moves. Their covert nature
begins down at their paws. The soft pads on their soles
not only cushion their feet but muffle their footsteps. All cats have five digits
on their forelimbs, with only four on the hind. The fifth digit on the forepaw
is similar to a thumb. Known as a dewclaw, it's located higher up the leg
and doesn't touch the ground. Having a greater number
of claws up front reflects the importance of grabbing
and holding prey to a feline. Sharp claws enhance this ability. These tough projections are made from a fibrous protein
called keratin, the same substance that
hair and feathers are comprised of. Felines keep their claws sharp by
dragging them over rough surfaces. In species that climb trees,
claws dig into bark, keeping the cat stable whilst
navigating through the foliage. Despite their size, big cats can be
nimble up in the branches. Should the need arise, claws are
excellent weapons for self-defence. When running, a big cat's claws
give the animal traction. Jaguars are the fastest in the group. Over short distances they can sprint
along at 100 kilometres per hour. Lions are not as swift. 80 kilometres per hour
is their top speed. Leopards and tigers are slower again, running at about
60 kilometres per hour - half what the fastest land animal,
the cheetah, can manage. When running, the lengthy tail of a
big cat helps to keep them balanced. Tails make good
communication tools as well. Lions use them to signal each other
when hunting in a pack. They can also be
a visual aid for cubs, giving these little big cats
something to follow as they tag along
behind their mother. Some cheeky cubs like to use
their mother's tail as a swat toy. All felines are known
for their agility. Having back legs longer
than their front legs allows them to push off
and take great leaps forward. Jaguars are famous for their
pouncing ability. Translated, their name means,
'he who kills with one leap'. Their bounds can measure 5.5 metres. In addition, these Latin American
cats are strong swimmers. They often combine these two skills
and leap into the water after prey. Fish are often on their menu. Jaguars are known to use their tail
tips as lures to bring in a catch. They aren't the only big cat
that likes the water. Tigers are often seen in waterholes. The fur on a big cat
serves a few purposes, such as providing warmth
and protection. Their coats are double-layered. The short, fine underfur traps in
body heat, insulating the animal, while long, coarser guard hairs
protect their skin. Fur also provides natural camouflage, a must for any successful predator. A lion's yellowy-brown coat matches
the sunburnt grasses of the savanna, allowing these mammals to remain
hidden while stalking their prey. Out in the open, stripes or spots might appear
to make a cat stand out. But put them in their habitat and the function of these patterns
becomes clear. These markings not only match
the dappled light in forests, they also break up
the animal's outline... making them difficult to see when
they're slinking through vegetation. This visual trick is called
disruptive colouration. Tigers have additional markings
on the back of their ears. White circles
known as eye spots, or ocelli. These false eyes are thought to be
a form of mimicry to trick any would-be predator
behind the tiger into thinking they're being watched. Eye spots are seen on other animals and are thought to work
in the same way. In contrast, lions have dark markings
on the backside of their ears. Like their tails, they're thought to help hunting
parties follow each other when in long grass. The whiskers on a big cat
are not there for show - they are all about feel. Also known as vibrissae, these sensitive facial hairs
pick up vibrations, helping the feline detect any
movement in their surroundings. In addition, these feelers
can allow a cat to judge if there is ample room for it
to fit or move through tight spaces. On lions, the base of each whisker
has a dark spot. The patterns they make are unique, a helpful characteristic for researchers wanting to identify
particular individuals. Sense-wise, big cats
have good hearing. Their ears can rotate to face the
direction a sound is coming from. Lions are able to hear prey
that are over a kilometre away... and can listen out for other members
of their family, known as a pride. Big cats have keen vision. During the day it is good,
better in low light. Their retinas are packed with large
amounts of light-sensitive rod cells. Any faint source,
such as moonlight or star shine, is enhanced by these cells... allowing the feline to see their way
through the gloom, a useful quality
for nocturnal hunters. In addition to this, lions have
white fur below their lower lid, which is thought to reflect light
back into their eyes. Observe a big cat
for a period of time and they may pull a strange face,
similar to a smile or a grimace. What they are actually doing
is a form of sniffing. In the roof of their mouth,
felines have a Jacobson's organ, a region that helps the cat
'taste' smells that are wafting through the air. When they scrunch their face up
like this, it's called a Flehmen's response. By sucking air across this organ, they can determine what a scent is and if it's worth pursuing,
or eating. Big cats are naturally spectacular
animals, with impressive skill sets
and massive appeal. The family tree of big cats
has long, ancient roots. The last common ancestor
of all modern felines was a prehistoric cat that roamed
Asia, Europe and North America 9 to 20 million years ago. Sabre-toothed cats also
sprang from this creature. Roughly 10 million years ago, the roaring cats split away
from the rest of the pack. Over time, these large felines branched off
in different directions. Lions, leopards and jaguars
are closely related. As for tigers, studies have shown they have more in common genetically
with snow leopards, to the point that they are regarded
as sister species. As members of the Carnivora order, big cats have ancestral links
with other feliforms, such as hyenas, mongooses, servals,
linsangs and genets. With ties to these animals
plus their numerous feline cousins, the big cats have
a fascinating heritage. To the casual observer, big cats might seem to be lethargic
animals, lounging around and dozing. This sluggish behaviour is
all about energy conservation. By keeping activity levels to
a minimum during the heat of the day, these creatures don't
waste precious reserves. Big cats are also nocturnal animals,
meaning they're active at night. A great deal of their prey
rest at this time, a fact big cats take advantage of. As opportunistic predators, if the chance of a daytime meal
presents itself, they will follow their instincts. After gorging themselves, these
quick digesters return to resting. Lions are known to spend
about 20 hours a day napping. Apart from females with cubs, the majority of big cats
are solitary animals. Lions are the exception to this rule. These social felines
live together in prides. The average pride is 15 cats, the group comprised of related
females and their offspring, plus a minimum of one male. When conditions are kind,
prides can support more members. Lush vegetation equals
higher numbers of prey. Amongst lionesses,
there is no hierarchy. When cubs are around, the ladies of the pride
work together to raise them. Teamwork is something lionesses
understand well - they are the ones that do
a great deal of the hunting. Lions have highly developed
frontal cortexes, the part of the brain responsible for
problem solving and decision making. In lionesses, this section
of the brain is more prominent, perhaps explaining their
advanced hunting strategies compared to the males in a pride. In addition, lionesses
have lighter builds and are capable of faster speeds. Cooperation has its rewards. Hunting as a group,
lions can go after much larger prey compared to what their
solitary cousins can capture. Apart from keeping themselves
well fed, big cats devote part of their day
ensuring they are well groomed. This behaviour keeps them
parasite free and cleans blood from their coats. Good hygiene is vital
for their health and longevity. Their raspy tongues work well,
raking away dirt and loose fur. Lions also take part
in mutual grooming, a practice which strengthens bonds
between cats. Like other animals, big cats will
pant to get rid of excess heat. Tigers take this to the extreme, sitting or swimming in water
to cool down. Leopards also have an
affinity for the water. Tree branches not only offer
shade for big cats but refreshing breezes. When they're not resting, cubs play. Scampering about and wrestling is an amusing way for these
youngsters to pass the time... but this exuberant behaviour
has other advantages. Gross motor skills,
like walking and climbing, improve through play,
as does their coordination. While they scuffle with each other,
their growing muscles get a workout. Each day these small big cats
get stronger. Through this constant,
light-hearted contact, lion cubs form strong social bonds
with their fellow pride members. This playful nature stays
with lionesses as they mature. Being the four that can roar, communication is something
all big cats excel at. Vocalising is one obvious way these felines send messages
to each other. Scent marking is another way
these cats keep in touch. By spraying urine,
they stake out territory. These smelly signals
are also spread through touch. Big cats can often be seen
rubbing against trees. When they do this to each other
it's called bunting. Cats have scent glands
on their faces. Amongst lions, this behaviour
is a form of greeting, a friendly gesture they will
perform throughout their lives. Big cats are attention magnets,
especially when they are cubs. Watching their delightful antics,
it's easy to forget that these charmers will eventually
become lethal apex predators. Jaguar cubs, like this zoo-born, arrive after a gestation period
of about a hundred days. They are usually born
in litters of two. Jaguar cubs are weaned off milk by
the time they're three months old. Soon after this stage, they join
their mother on hunting trips. Young jaguars usually take two
years to become independent cats. In their natural environment, these majestic creatures
can survive for 12 to 15 years. Tigers come into the world
surrounded by siblings. After a 3.5-month pregnancy, tigresses can have
up to seven in a litter. The average cub weighs about a kilo. These baby felines can't see properly
until they're about two weeks old. For their first two months, tiger cubs rely on their
mother's milk for nourishment. When baby tigers reach
the six week mark, life starts to get more interesting. Cubs begin to include meat
in their diet and they're allowed to venture out
from the safety of their den to explore the wider world. These zoo-born cubs are spoiled
with playmates and toys, the perfect combination to
challenge growing bodies and minds. By the time a tiger cub
is four months old, it's the size of a medium dog. Two months later and the stripy
youngsters are fully weaned off milk. Not long after this, mother tigers allow their cubs
to accompany her when foraging. Hunting is one of many life skills
they need to master to ensure they are successful,
healthy adults. At 18 months, juvenile tigers
become independent, leaving their mother to establish
territories of their own. Young females can raise
their first litter by their third or fourth birthday. Males take a couple of years
more to mature. In their natural environment, tigers can enjoy a lifespan
of about 10 years. With lions, their lives start
in a similar manner to tigers. Their gestation period is, however,
slightly longer, about four months. Compared to their stripy cousins, lionesses have smaller litters,
up to four cubs. Newborns weigh between 1 and 2 kilos. Mother's milk fuels their growth. Blind at first, the cubs' eyes
function at 11 days. Their irises a bluey-grey. These furry babies gain the strength
to walk at two weeks. By their first month, these mini lions
have their milk teeth and they can now run. Lion cubs have brown rosette
markings on their coats, similar to those on leopards. These are believed to offer
the babies camouflage. As the cat matures, they will fade. On lionesses, these spots can persist underneath their bodies
and on their limbs. Lionesses usually wait until her
offspring are six to eight weeks old before re-joining the pride. The teamwork seen amongst lionesses
sometimes extends to raising cubs. Within a pride, females appear to synchronise
their reproductive cycles, which leads to communal suckling
and babysitting. Curious youngsters always
appreciate extra playmates. The bolder ones
will attempt to engage with older members of the pride. Results can be mixed. By two to three months, the cubs' eye colour changes
to orangey-brown, like the adults. At this stage,
they begin to eat meat. This is also when their mature coat
starts to develop. Before long, their tail tip
develops a tuft. These small carnivores are weaned
off their mother's milk by the time they're 10 months old, when their permanent teeth
have come through. With lots of play fighting as
training, cubs soon learn to hunt... juvenile lions
taking their first prey sometime between their first
and second birthdays. This is when the boys
start to stand out, with their manes
beginning to develop. The larger and darker their manes, the better their chances
at passing on their genes. Young females tend to stay
with their birth pride, while juvenile males
are excluded from the group. They often pair up
and wander nomadically until they become
part of a new pride. By the age of three or four, lionesses are able to start
reproducing. Lions take another year before
they can successfully mate. There is no particular
breeding season for lions, females coming into heat monthly. These big cats continue to grow,
reaching full size at six. Adult lions can weigh up to
190 kilos, females slightly less. Lionesses can raise litters
until they're about 11. In the wild, lions can roam their
pride lands for 15 to 18 years. While big cats are all felines, each species has their own
particular needs that help them succeed
in their environment. Tigers, for example,
prefer to be close to water, like plenty of cover and require
abundant prey in their locality. A variety of habitats provide
these necessities for tigers, including forests, woodlands, swamps, and grasslands. Dense vegetation
particularly suits them, allowing their stripes
to do their work, hiding their bodies in plain sight. Leopards are adaptable cats but rainforests and savanna are
favoured over other environments. Wherever they live,
trees are important to these cats. Up in the branches is where these spotted felines
spend the majority of their day, keeping cool and resting. Trees also provide leopards
with good vantage points. When something sparks
their interest, they can move down to ground level
to take a closer look. While they are large animals, zebras
are not beyond a hungry leopard. Antelope are a common food source
for these big cats. Bigger species
are consumed where they fall. Smaller antelope
are often dragged up into trees to ensure the leopard can dine
in peace, or not have it stolen. Adult leopards are solitary animals
and territory is everything to them. Scent marking and clawed tree trunks are obvious signposts
to other leopards, warning them
that they are trespassing. Their Latin American cousins,
jaguars, show a preference for
wooded regions and swampland. In Western India, a small population
of lions are found in and around
Gir Forest National Park. Within this reserve, their habitat is a combination
of dry savanna and dry scrub. Meanwhile, in Africa,
lions occupy a variety of habitats, such as grasslands and savannas, open woodlands, scrub and semi-arid plains. Shade is a must for these big cats, to shelter them during their
frequent daytime naps. Acacia trees are a popular
natural umbrella for these felines to lounge under. As expected, water sources are
important for these big cats - and not only to quench their thirst. Water holes attract prey species. Amongst terrestrial carnivores,
cats are the strictest. These animals are what's known
as hypercarnivores, with meat making up
more than 70% of their diet. Lions are not fussy carnivores - anything that shares their habitat
could end up as a meal. Large prey often feature
on their menus. Wildebeest, zebra
and buffalo are favourites. Giraffe occasionally get targeted
by hungry cats as well. Lions are also known to bully other
animals away from their kills and they are not above scavenging. To protect themselves from hard hoof
kicks whilst trying to catch a meal, lions have loose belly skin. In a pride, there is
a pecking order at meal times. If males are present, they eat first, then the lionesses... and finally any cubs. A mature lion can devour
18 kilos in one sitting. If their daily intake is threatened,
fights can erupt. A hyena lurks nearby,
ever hopeful for any scraps. Every ecosystem has apex predators, animals that sit at the top
of the food chain. Big cats take on this role, influencing their environment
from the top down. By keeping prey populations in check, they ensure the stability and health
of the entire community. For example, by thinning out herds, lions inadvertently make sure herbivore food supplies
aren't overgrazed. Sick and weak animals make easy prey. Their removal from a population makes the remaining gene pool
disease-free and stronger. Lions earn their title
as King of the Beasts, ruling over their pride lands for the
benefit of the whole wild community. Big cats have been making an impact
on the world for thousands of years. Depictions of these felines
are found around the globe, many embellishing famous
historical sites. Lions have been
a particular favourite. Prehistoric artists
capturing a pride in action on the walls of the Chauvet Caves
in Southern France. Discovered in 1994, these paintings are thought to be
approximately 30,000 years old. One of the largest statues in the
world was built in about 2500BC, the Great Sphinx of Giza. A mythological beast with the body
of a lion and the head of a king, this limestone creation
was a symbol of wisdom and strength. The same big cat also inspired
the ancient Egyptians when they imagined
the Goddess Sekhmet - with the head of a lioness, she represented the might
of the blazing sun. In 732AD, Mayans built
the Jaguar Temple, a stepped pyramid that
stands 37 metres high. Jaguar masks
fashioned from stone blocks adorn the front of this ancient tomb. Lions are a popular
motif in Chinese art. Statues of guardian lions protected
the entrances of imperial palaces. These stone giants continue to stand
watch over the Forbidden City. As King of the beasts, the lion has
long been associated with royalty, these regal-looking felines thought to represent nobility,
courage and strength. Their images are common on heraldry. Since medieval times, lions have
been used as a symbol for England. Other nations hold big cats
in high esteem. A lion and a tiger proudly share
duties on Singapore's coat of arms. In Somalia, leopards are charged
with a similar task. A golden lion strikes a stately
pose on Sri Lanka's flag. The city of Venice is patrolled
by numerous sculptures of lions, these cats a traditional symbol
of the city. Lions also feature in
Chinese cultural celebrations. Dancers wear vibrant costumes and
mimic the movement of these felines when performing the Lion Dance. These spectacular shows are thought
to bring good luck and fortune. A festive celebration
of these fascinating cats. As much as big cats are admired, these majestic animals face
a multitude of challenges in the modern world. Habitat loss is a big issue. As large felines, they need
space to roam around and hunt. Deforestation and fragmentation
impacts these wild cats... as does agriculture... and human encroachment. The closer communities get to
big cat territories, conflicts occur. Loss of habitat also affects
their prey species, which means lower food supplies
for these apex predators, the reduction in their populations upsetting the balance
of the entire ecosystem. The bushmeat trade, trophy hunting,
and poaching all contribute to declines
in wild populations. Some cultures continue to believe in the supposed magical and medicinal
properties of big cat body parts... a cruel and pointless practice. The conservation status
of each big cat varies. Presently, jaguars are considered
to be near threatened. Lions and leopards are one step
down, in the vulnerable category. Tigers are even lower,
regarded as endangered. Conservation groups do what they can to improve conditions
for big cats in the wild, formally protecting tracts of land
and setting up reserves. Anti-poaching teams
work on the ground to give additional security
to remaining populations. In Africa, lions and leopards
are part of the Big Five, animals promoted to Safari groups
as 'must-see'. The popularity of wildlife tourism is a great incentive for local communities to embrace
and protect these felines. By doing so, they improve
their financial well-being. Global captive breeding programs
in sanctuaries and zoos ensure healthy
insurance populations exist. These animals also act as ambassadors
for their wild counterparts, raising awareness and
funds to boost conservation efforts. Hopefully a better educated public
translates to continued efforts to preserve these magnificent
felines, giving them and the ecosystems
that rely on these big cats brighter futures.
