Leopards don't roar like lions. Instead, they produce a unique sound that mimics the rhythmic sawing of wood.

Leopards belong to the genus Panthera, which includes lions, tigers, and jaguars. While these species share a specialized hyoid bone that allows them to roar, the leopard's vocalizations are distinctively adapted for solitary life in thick vegetation. This 'sawing' sound is technically known as a rasp, produced by both the inhalation and exhalation of air through the larynx.Research published by the Smithsonian National Zoo explains that the leopard's call is a series of harsh, rhythmic coughs. This frequency is specifically evolved to travel through dense jungle or scrubland without being muffled by foliage. Unlike the lion's roar, which can reach 114 decibels and be heard 5 miles away, the leopard's call is more localized and tactical.The physical mechanism involves a square-shaped vocal fold that can withstand significant stretching. This allows leopards to produce low-frequency sounds that signal their presence to other leopards while avoiding unnecessary confrontation. Interestingly, leopards are the most widely distributed of all wild cats, ranging from sub-Saharan Africa to the Russian Far East, and their vocal patterns remain consistent across these diverse environments.In addition to sawing, leopards utilize a range of other vocalizations for social interaction. Mothers use soft 'prusten' or chuffing sounds to communicate with their cubs, a behavior also noted by researchers at the San Diego Zoo. This versatility in sound production highlights the leopard's status as one of the most adaptable and successful predators in the animal kingdom.