Tiger vs lion: how the two biggest cats differ
Tigers and lions are the two largest members of the cat family, but they are easy to tell apart and live very different lives. The tiger (Panthera tigris) is an Asian forest specialist; the lion (Panthera leo) is a social cat of African savannas and a small Indian population. Here are seven key differences. For a deeper dive on one of them, see our tiger guide.
1. Size
Tigers are, on average, the larger cat. The biggest subspecies, the Amur tiger, can exceed 300 kg, heavier than any lion. Lions are large but typically lighter.
2. Coat and markings
Tigers wear orange fur with unique black stripes that also print onto the skin. Lions have plain tawny coats, and adult males grow a distinctive mane that tigers never have.
3. Social life
This is the biggest behavioural gap. Lions are the only truly social big cat, living in prides. Tigers are solitary and territorial, coming together only to mate.
4. Habitat
Tigers favour forest, from Sumatran rainforest to snowy Russian taiga. Lions occupy open savanna and grassland.
5. Hunting style
Tigers ambush alone, stalking close before a short rush. Lionesses often hunt cooperatively in groups to bring down large prey.
6. Relationship with water
Tigers readily swim and bathe to cool off; lions generally avoid water where they can.
7. Range and status
Lions live in Africa plus a single population in India. Tigers are restricted to Asia. Both are threatened, but several tiger subspecies are Critically Endangered, including the Sumatran and Malayan tigers in the World Animal Rescue Network's range countries.
So which is stronger?
Pound for pound the tiger edges it on size and is at least the lion's equal in power, but the comparison is artificial: the two never meet in the wild because their ranges are continents apart. The more urgent question is survival, and on that score the rarest tigers are in deeper trouble than wild lions.
If protecting Asia's vanishing big cat appeals to you, our Tiger Appeal supports snare-removal and anti-poaching work in Sumatra and Malaysia.
Read the full Tiger wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.