Canine vs. Feline

Dogs are considered to be man's best friend. Cats could be considered to be woman's best friend. But which one do you actually prefer?

Cats are very independent. They have a complete mind of their own and as pets, they often bring back presents that humans don't appreciate. Dogs on the other had tend to be friendly and personable. However, we often hear stories and news reports on dog attacks, which makes us question: Are we really meant to be that close to animals? Considering the wilderness of both canines and felines, would you still choose the same option of canine or feline if you lived with them in the wild?

Wild cats and dogs are some of the most vicious animals on the planet. They are carnivorous. Beasts built to hunt. Predators.

Cheetahs are the fastest animal on the land. This cat is found in sub-Saharan Africa and Northern Iran. With the ability to reach speeds over 65 mph, the cheetah is a truly extraordinary animal. Although, only able to reach its peak speed for under a minute, the energy of a cheetah is easily drained and as a result this cat often has difficulty hunting.

Lions, on the other hand, regularly hunt and kill zebras, antelopes and wildebeest. Found mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, with a small group of Asiatic lions in Gir Forest in western India, it could be argued that the lion has an advantage over all other wild cats, due to their ability to socialise and co-operate. This feature is the main reason why humans continued through evolution, whilst Neanderthals became extinct. The link below contains a short video, explaining exactly how socialisation is a key point of surviving as a lion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Lion#p00fpsm8

Next, wild dogs are a completely different kettle of fish. The most commonly associated animals with the term 'wild dog' is the grey wolf and red fox.

The grey wolf's habitat is currently in the Arctic tundra, prairies and forests, although it use to have the largest natural distribution in the mammal species before humans took over. Due to this, the grey wolf has many sub-species, which is why there are so many different types of the household pet dog. The wolf is an animal based around being in a pack and working together in order to hunt reindeer and bison. As the largest type of wild dog, predation is their prime instinct.

Red foxes have now overtaken grey wolves and are now considered as the most widespread canine in the world. This is no surprise, seen as most of us have seen a red fox at some point in our lives. These communal animals are so adaptable, that not only do they live in deserts and tundra, but in urban areas too; in which they each literally eat anything and everything that is available to them.

So, the question is still there, canines or felines? Have you changed your mind from your previous choice?




References:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Cheetah
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Lion
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Gray_Wolf

CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT