Leopards and Jaguars

Leopards and jaguars look more like each other than
Cheetahs do either, but still not the same.
The jaguars are shorter yet bigger and stronger—
The better to take on reptilian game.
The leopards have smaller rosettes with no spots in the
Center. They tend to have lengthier tails.
The foreheads and jaws of the jaguars are wider, in
Keeping with what their predation entails:
Instead of a throat grab to suffocate prey, they will
Bite through the skull or the backbone or spine.
They drag their kills backwards, not forwards like leopards, and
When they’re in water, the jaguars don’t mind.
The leopards are more territorial critters and
Keener to lunge at a human too near.
The jaguars act much more secure in dominion; it’s
Why they climb trees less and hardly show fear.
The leopards are native to Asia and Africa;
Jaguars are Latin America based.
I rather like both types of cats in the abstract, but
If I should meet one, I’d better make haste.