Wild Cats of the World Trivia Quiz

Answer: jaguarundi

Although solitary in the wild, jaguarundis communicate well in social groups, primarily by scent-marking. These cats forage mainly on the ground but can climb to low-hanging tree branches. Mostly active during the day, jaguarundis feed on small animals such as rodents and rabbits.

Answer: ocelot

Unlike most cats, ocelots will swim in water to hunt for prey. They will also climb trees, especially if birds attract their attention. Their natural habitat is as diverse as the countries they inhabit: wetlands and brushlands. Ocelot fur is highly prized among hunters and as such this beautiful species has become endangered.

Answer: Canada lynx

The habitat of the Canada lynx is not limited to the forests of Canada. It can also be found in Alaska and other northern U.S. states. Along with its tufted ears, it can easily be identified by a double-pointed beard and short tail. With strong, sturdy legs and fur-coated paws, the Canada lynx can travel long distances in the snow.

This felid is well known for having superb vision. Its diet mainly consists of snowshoe hares but also includes birds and rodents.

Answer: lion

Whether a lion is male or female is not hard to figure out since the male is the one with the mane. Why do male lions have manes? The short answer is nobody knows for sure. Biologists have studied lions in the wild and have discovered that lions attack other lions from the rear, which tends to disprove the theory that the mane offers neck protection. Lions hunt in prides and eat pretty much whatever they want, from insects to beached whale carcasses. Prey also includes zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and warthogs. Lions are highly social creatures and are rarely alone. One exception is when the female leaves the pride to give birth.

Answer: serval

Tall and lean with long legs and a short tail, the serval belongs to its own genus: Leptailurus. Endemic to Africa, this felid can be found in grasslands and in open patches near forests. The serval is capable of climbing trees and uses its large ears to listen for prey, usually small animals. Servals breed year round. Like many wild cats, the serval has become endangered from habitat loss.

Answer: sand cat

The sand cat can be found in North Africa and Central Asia. It's hard to imagine any mammal adapting to extreme desert temperatures but this species manages to do so amazingly well. Small in stature with a wide head and short ears and legs, this felid has thick fur on its paws to protect it from the hot sand. Dark bands appear on the limbs, especially the upper forelegs.

The sand cat forages at night (to avoid the hot temperatures of daytime) and during the day in colder seasons. It feeds on rodents and small vertebrates.

Answer: margay

The margay sports even more markings than the ocelot. It has large paws in proportion to its size but is smaller in size than the ocelot. The long muscular tail helps in balance. The margay can be found in Mexico and the South American countries of Paraguay and Uruguay. Like other wild cats, the margay preys on rodents. Larger prey includes common oppossum and Brazilian rabbits as well as lizards and frogs.

The margay forages at night and is equally at home on the ground or in trees. In fact, the margay is one of the best tree climbers of all wild cats.

Answer: leopard

There are nine species of leopards: Sri Lankan, Indian, Anatolian, Persian, Javan, snow, clouded, Arabian and Amur (Far East). From the forests of Russia to scrubland and semi-deserts, the leopard adjusts well to varying climates and terrain. It feeds on a wide variety of prey. Small mammals, birds, fish, wild boars, warthogs, and gazelles are all food for this hungry cat.

Answer: tiger

There are nine subspecies of tigers, three of which are extinct: Bali, Javan, and Caspian. Like the leopard, the tiger lives in a variety of climates and terrains. Unlike the lion, a tiger is solitary and territorial. These territories are marked by spraying vegetation and leaving behind scat. In regards to reproduction, gestation lasts 95-107 days and the resulting litter is usually two to five cubs. Tigers are nocturnal hunters and quite fearless. They will attack and eat everything from hares and badgers to deer and even crocodiles.

Answer: Pallas's cat

Besides being really fluffy, this cat looks different from other wild cats. Black spots cover its forehead and the tail is bushy with stripes and a black tip. Its winter coat is gray in color while the summer coat has reddish tones with more noticeable markings. Since the Pallas's cat is not good at running, it has an interesting survival technique.

In order to avoid detection from prey it will flatten itself on the ground and lie completely still. Whatever works!