Panthera is a genus of the family Felidae (the cats), which contains four well-known living species: the Lion, the Tiger, the Jaguar, and the Leopard. The genus comprises about half of the Pantherinae subfamily, the big cats. One meaning of the word panther is to designate cats of this subfamily. The name comes from the Greek πάνθηρ, panther, which means "all-hunting".

Only these four cat species have the anatomical changes enabling them to roar. The primary reason for this was assumed to be the incomplete ossification of the hyoid bone. However, new studies show that the ability to roar is due to other morphological features, especially of the larynx. The Snow Leopard, Uncia uncia, which is sometimes included within Panthera, does not roar. Although it has an incomplete ossification of the hyoid bone, it lacks the special morphology of the larynx.

Discover your inner tiger - wear one of our cool wild cat art t-shirts! Also designs for Leos and other big cat lovers.

The shirts come in a large range of color combinations and styles, and you can also find cutting boards, mousepads, coasters and aprons with our unique, colorful designs as special cat lovers gifts for birthdays, x-mas or any other occasion.

Webdesign & Graphics © H.E.Wakeford 2001-2007