Tiger vs. Panther — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
A tiger is a specific species of large, striped cat native to Asia, known scientifically as Panthera tigris. A panther is a more generic term that can refer to any of several species of large cats, including leopards and jaguars, and may or may not have a
Difference Between Tiger and Panther
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A tiger is a distinct species of large feline that primarily resides in Asia. It's known for its striking orange coat and dark stripes. On the other hand, a panther is not a species in itself but refers to melanistic individuals of several large cat species, including jaguars and leopards. The term "panther" is more of a catch-all label than a biological classification.
Tigers are unique to Asia and have a more restricted geographical range. They primarily inhabit forests but can also be found in grasslands and swampy areas. Panthers, however, can be found on multiple continents including Africa, Asia, and the Americas, depending on the actual species referred to by the name.
When it comes to physical characteristics, tigers are usually larger, weighing up to 670 pounds and measuring up to 12 feet in length including the tail. Panthers vary widely in size and characteristics, depending on the specific species they belong to. For instance, a melanistic leopard would be smaller than a typical tiger.
Tigers have a fairly uniform appearance with their unmistakable stripes. Panthers, on the other hand, can range in color from black to the more typical colors of their non-melanistic counterparts. For example, a panther that is a melanistic leopard would be black, but a panther that is a jaguar may have black rosettes on a black background.
Comparison Chart
Species
Specific species (Panthera tigris)
General term for multiple species
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Habitat
Asia
Worldwide (depending on species)
Appearance
Orange with dark stripes
Color varies; often black
Size
Generally larger
Size varies by species
Taxonomic Classification
Genus Panthera, species tigris
Genus Panthera, species varies
Compare with Definitions
Tiger
A symbol of power and strength in various cultures.
In many Asian cultures, the tiger is revered as a symbol of courage.
Panther
A term for melanistic individuals of several large cat species.
A panther can be a black leopard or a black jaguar depending on its geographical location.
Tiger
An apex predator at the top of the food chain.
The tiger is an adept hunter that preys on deer and buffalo.
Panther
Known for its solid black coat when melanistic.
The panther's black coat helps it blend into the night.
Tiger
A large striped cat species native to Asia.
The tiger is known for its majestic stripes.
Panther
A large wild cat such as a leopard or jaguar, especially in a color form with black fur.
Tiger
A member of the genus Panthera.
The tiger, scientifically known as Panthera tigris, is one of the most iconic big cats.
Panther
See cougar.
Tiger
The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest living cat species and a member of the genus Panthera. It is most recognisable for its dark vertical stripes on orange-brown fur with a lighter underside.
Panther
Any of various big cats with black fur; most especially, the black-coated leopard of India.
Tiger
A large carnivorous feline mammal (Panthera tigris) of Asia, having a tawny coat with transverse black stripes.
Panther
Any big cat of the genus Panthera.
Tiger
Any of various similar wild felines, such as the jaguar, mountain lion, or lynx.
Panther
A cougar; especially the Florida panther.
Tiger
A person regarded as aggressive, audacious, or fierce.
Panther
(slang) A girl, especially a young one, who pursues older men.
Paige is 16 and dates a 19 years old guy, she's such a panther.
Tiger
Panthera tigris, a large predatory mammal of the cat family, indigenous to Asia.
Panther
A creature resembling a big cat with a multicolored hide, found in Ancient Greek mythology.
Tiger
A male tiger; as opposed to a tigress.
Panther
A cat that belongs to the genus Panthera.
Like the tiger, a panther is also a member of the genus Panthera.
Tiger
(heraldry) A representation of a large mythological cat, used on a coat of arms.
Panther
A large dark-colored variety of the leopard, by some Zoologists considered a distinct species. It is marked with large ringlike spots, the centers of which are darker than the color of the body.
Tiger
A leopard.
Panther
In America, the name is applied to the puma, or cougar, and sometimes to the jaguar.
Tiger
A relatively small country or group of countries with a fast-growing economy.
Panther
A large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis
Tiger
(obsolete) A servant in livery, who rides with his master or mistress.
Panther
A leopard in the black color phase
Tiger
A person who is very athletic during sexual intercourse.
Panther
Large American feline resembling a lion
Tiger
(figurative) A ferocious, bloodthirsty and audacious person.
Panther
A symbol of mystery and stealth in various cultures.
The panther is often considered a symbol of secrecy and mystery.
Tiger
A kind of growl or screech, after cheering.
Three cheers and a tiger
Panther
Can be found in multiple continents depending on the species.
Panthers can be found in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Tiger
A pneumatic box or pan used in refining sugar.
Tiger
A tiger moth in the family Arctiidae.
Tiger
A tiger beetle.
Tiger
Any of the three Australian species of black-and-yellow striped dragonflies of the genus Ictinogomphus.
Tiger
A tiger butterfly in tribe Danaini, especially subtribe Danaina
Tiger
A final shouted phrase, accompanied by a jump or outstretched arms, at the end of a cheer.
Tiger
A very large and powerful carnivore (Felis tigris) native of Southern Asia and the East Indies. Its back and sides are tawny or rufous yellow, transversely striped with black, the tail is ringed with black, the throat and belly are nearly white. When full grown, it equals or exceeds the lion in size and strength. Called also royal tiger, and Bengal tiger.
Tiger
Fig.: A ferocious, bloodthirsty person.
As for heinous tiger, Tamora.
Tiger
A servant in livery, who rides with his master or mistress.
Tiger
A kind of growl or screech, after cheering; as, three cheers and a tiger.
Tiger
A pneumatic box or pan used in refining sugar.
Tiger
A fierce or audacious person;
He's a tiger on the tennis court
It aroused the tiger in me
Tiger
Large feline of forests in most of Asia having a tawny coat with black stripes; endangered
Tiger
An endangered species with declining populations.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the endangered tiger.
Common Curiosities
What is a Tiger?
A tiger is a large, striped cat species native to Asia.
Are Tigers and Panthers the same?
No, tigers are a specific species, while "panther" is a term for multiple species.
What is a Panther?
A panther is a term for melanistic individuals of several large cat species.
How big is a Panther?
Size varies depending on the species.
What do Tigers eat?
Tigers are carnivores that hunt deer, buffalo, and other large mammals.
Where can Tigers be found?
Tigers are native to Asia.
Where can Panthers be found?
Panthers can be found worldwide, depending on the specific species.
What do Panthers eat?
Diet varies by species but generally includes large mammals and sometimes birds.
What is the scientific name of the Panther?
Varies by species; can be Panthera pardus for leopards or Panthera onca for jaguars.
What is the scientific name of the Tiger?
Panthera tigris.
What's distinctive about a Tiger's appearance?
Tigers have a striking orange coat with dark stripes.
Are Tigers endangered?
Yes, tigers are classified as endangered.
Are Panthers endangered?
It depends on the specific species referred to as "panther."
What's distinctive about a Panther's appearance?
Panthers can range from black to the more typical colors of their non-melanistic counterparts.
How big is a Tiger?
Tigers can weigh up to 670 pounds and measure up to 12 feet long including the tail.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
