There were 10 sightings of big cats in the Canterbury area last year, according to new statistics from a Kent expert.

They consisted of six of a black leopard, one of a lynx and three of a puma.

Thanet had the most sightings in 2008 with 21.

Neil Arnold, from Rochester, has conducted 20 years of research into big cat sightings in the county and put together the breakdown of sightings ahead of the launch of his new book.

Mr Arnold said: “The only problem we have in collecting this research is there are so many sightings that are not reported."

In all there were 184 sightings in 2008.

To see the sightings in other areas, click and hold on the relevant paw in the graphic above

Mr Arnold's new book Mystery Animals of Kent will be published at the end of the month.

Anyone who has seen a cat can call Mr Arnold on 01634 830384 or visit www.kentbigcats.blogspot.com

~Listen: Hear Neil Arnold tell of the rise in sightings of big cats>>>

What to look out for (see pictures above):

Black leopard - around four-to five-feet long, jet black, with a very long tail.

An official 'big cat' because like the lion, tiger and jaguar it can roar. Each year black leopards make for around 73 per cent of exotic cat sightings throughout Kent.

These animals are also known as the 'black panther' although this is merely a folkloric word. Black leopards are the same as normal spotted leopards and a black cub can be born from two spotted parents. However, two black parents can only produce black offspring.

Sightings of such cats date back around six centuries in the county

They prey is rabbit, livestock, pheasants, pigeons, deer. They are only a threat to humans if cornered, injured or provoked.

Puma - fawn/tan colour with white underside and a long tail.

Native to the USA and Canada it can reach five-feet in length. It is not counted as a 'big cat' because it cannot roar, only scream.

Instead the puma is the largest of the Lesser Cats.

Lynx - varying coat colour from sandy to reddish, silvery-grey to brown, often mottled. The lynx has large tufted ears and a short bobbed tail. It was once native to these shores a few thousand years ago. It hunts smaller prey but can also hunt deer and livestock.

Jungle Cat - also known as Swamp and Reed Cat. Native to parts of Africa and Asia it is a sandy-reddish coloured cat, able to breed with the domestic cat. It hunts rats, mice and rabbits.