Freak Felids - A Discussion of History's Largest Felines

[peter]

I saw a number of skulls of extinct big cats and I measured over 300 big cat skulls in museums. I concluded modern big cats, although smaller and not as heavy, seem to be more specialized than their extinct relatives. Skullwise, although smaller compared to some large extinct big cats, they also seem to be more robust, especially in the (conical) teeth. But I also saw the skulls of tigers found in China you posted and they were unmatched for robusticy. 

l got to opinions, but these are a result of experience and have limited value. I'm very interested in the info Tigerluver used to get to his estimates. I agree with Guate this topic could produce a good debate. We'll see. Reply