Big cats are apex predators and efficient hunters. Of the major big cat species, which one causes the most human and animal deaths each year? Here we take a look at the hunting and killing rates of lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and cougars to determine which is the deadliest.
Lions
The lion is considered the king of the jungle and the most social of the big cats. Lions live in prides with related females, their cubs, and a few adult males. Lionesses do the majority of the hunting in a coordinated fashion, allowing them to take down prey much larger than themselves. However, lions are not the most prolific killers among big cats.
Key Facts
- Population: 20,000-25,000 wild lions remaining in Africa.
- Prey: Antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, warthogs, and more. Will occasionally take down an elephant or hippo calf.
- Hunting success rate: 25-30% overall, but only 10% for larger prey.
- Humans killed annually: Estimated 200 per year, primarily in rural areas of Africa.
- The lion’s share of killing is done by adult males when taking over a new pride.
Tigers
The tiger is the largest of the big cats and has the most variance among types including Bengal, Siberian, and Sumatran. Tigers are solitary hunters, tracking and ambushing their prey. They are efficient killers, with higher success rates than other big cats.
Key Facts
- Population: Approximately 3,900 tigers remaining worldwide.
- Prey: Deer species, wild boar, antelope, buffalo, and sometimes small bears or baby elephants.
- Hunting success rate: Over 50% for most prey types.
- Humans killed annually: Around 50-60 per year, mostly in India and Southeast Asia.
- Tigers account for more human deaths than any other big cat.
Leopards
Leopards are strong climbers and swimmers, adept at hunting in trees as well as on the ground. They are opportunistic predators with a wide diet ranging from rodents to deer and antelope. Leopards store kills up in trees to protect their meal.
Key facts
- Population: Approximately 700,000 leopards, considered Near Threatened.
- Prey: Very diverse – over 100 prey species including wildebeest, monkeys, baboons, rodents, fish, and birds.
- Hunting success rate: Around 30-40% overall.
- Humans killed annually: Approximately 400 per year, concentrated in India.
- Leopards sometimes turn to man-eating and human predation.
Jaguars
The jaguar is a stalk-and-ambush hunter found in Central and South America. Jaguars have the strongest bite force of any big cat, enabling them to pierce turtle shells. They prefer dense forest and often drag heavy kills into cover.
Key Facts
- Population: Around 173,000 remaining, listed Near Threatened.
- Prey: Peccaries, deer, tapirs, turtles, fish, monkeys, birds, and caiman.
- Hunting success rate: Over 50-65% depending on prey type.
- Humans killed annually: Under 10 confirmed per year.
- Jaguars rarely attack people but some cases involved defensive or starvation attacks.
Cougars
Also known as mountain lions or pumas, cougars are ambush predators common in the Americas. They have the widest range of habitats among big cats. Cougars go after opportunistic kills but prefer medium-sized prey.
Key Facts
- Population: Possibly over 50,000 cougars, not considered threatened.
- Prey: Deer, elk, moose, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, and livestock.
- Hunting success rate: Around 20% overall.
- Humans killed annually: Less than 20 per year, mostly predatory attacks.
- Cougar attacks on people are increasing as human expansion encroaches on habitat.
Comparison
When looking at human fatalities, the tiger is the big cat responsible for the most human deaths each year. However, many other factors come into play when considering the deadliest big cat including population size, ecosystem, human activity, and more. Here is a comparison of key stats between the major big cat species:
Species | Population | Typical Prey | Hunting Success Rate | Human Deaths per Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lion | 20,000-25,000 | Large ungulates | 25-30% | 200 |
Tiger | 3,900 | Deer, boar, buffalo | Over 50% | 50-60 |
Leopard | 700,000 | Very diverse prey | 30-40% | 400 |
Jaguar | 173,000 | Peccaries, deer, caiman | 50-65% | Under 10 |
Cougar | Possibly 50,000+ | Deer, elk, coyotes | Around 20% | Under 20 |
Conclusion
Based on available data, the tiger ranks as the big cat responsible for the most human fatalities each year. However, lion and leopard attacks are more prevalent in certain areas of Africa and Asia. Overall, most big cat attacks occur due to human encroachment on the animal’s habitat and food sources. With conservation efforts, we can protect both human lives and these majestic predators.