Cheetah vs Leopard: 7 key differences

Cheetahs and leopards, despite sharing some similarities, have several key differences:

Physical build

Cheetahs are slimmer and built for speed, with a streamlined body and long legs. Leopards are more muscular and stocky, designed for strength and agility.

Coat pattern

Cheetahs have solid black spots on their coat, while leopards have rosettes (rose-like spots) with a black border.

Speed

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h). Leopards are agile climbers and swimmers but cannot match the cheetah's speed.

Habitat

Cheetahs prefer open grasslands and savannas, relying on their speed to hunt. Leopards are adaptable and can thrive in various habitats, including forests, mountains, and deserts.

Hunting technique

Cheetahs rely on speed and acceleration to chase down prey in short bursts. Leopards are stealthy ambush predators, using their strength to overpower prey.

Social behavior

Cheetahs are usually solitary animals, except for mothers with cubs. Leopards are more solitary but can be seen with a mate or cubs occasionally.

Size

Cheetahs are taller but lighter than leopards on the other hand, leopards are generally larger and more robust, with a more powerful build.

This information is not DNA's opinion but obtained from media reports