Mountain Lion Size vs. Tiger Size

Attribute	Mountain Lion Size	Tiger Size
Weight	64-100 kg	65-300 kg
Length	1.5-2.7 m	2.5-3.3 m
Height	60-70 cm	90-110 cm
Color	Tawny	Orange with black stripes

Physical Characteristics

Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are large cats with slender bodies and powerful limbs. They have a long tail that helps them balance while running and jumping. Adult mountain lions typically weigh between 80 to 220 pounds and measure around 5 to 9 feet in length, including their tail. Tigers, on the other hand, are the largest cat species in the world. They have a robust build with powerful muscles, especially in their forelimbs which they use to take down prey. Adult tigers can weigh between 220 to 660 pounds and measure around 8 to 10 feet in length, not including their tail.

Habitat and Range

Mountain lions are found throughout North and South America, from the Canadian Rockies to the southern Andes. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation for cover and prey availability, such as forests, mountains, and deserts. Tigers, on the other hand, are native to Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats including tropical forests, mangrove swamps, grasslands, and even snowy regions. They have a wide range that extends from India to Russia and parts of Southeast Asia.

Diet and Hunting Behavior

Mountain lions are carnivorous predators that primarily feed on deer, elk, and smaller mammals like rabbits and raccoons. They are solitary hunters and rely on stealth and ambush to catch their prey. Tigers, on the other hand, have a diverse diet that includes large ungulates like deer and wild boar, as well as smaller animals like monkeys and birds. They are known for their strength and agility, often taking down prey much larger than themselves through sheer force.

Social Structure

Mountain lions are solitary animals that only come together during mating season or when raising young cubs. They establish territories that they defend from other individuals of the same species. Tigers, on the other hand, are more social and can form loose family groups known as prides. Female tigers are usually solitary, while males may form coalitions to protect their territory and mating rights.

Threats and Conservation Status

Mountain lions face threats from habitat loss, human encroachment, and hunting. They are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, but some populations are at risk due to fragmentation and conflict with humans. Tigers, on the other hand, are endangered species with only a few thousand individuals left in the wild. They are threatened by poaching for their fur and body parts, as well as habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict.