Cheetah
Cheetah Facts
Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus
Conservation status: Vulnerable – population decreasing
Lifespan: 10-12 years in the wild, up to 17 years in captivity
Length: 1.1 to 1.5 metres (3.6 to 4.9 feet) without the tail; tails add about 0.6 to 0.8 metres
Mass: 20 to 72 kg (44 to 159 lbs)
More About Cheetahs
The cheetah, the fastest mammal on the earth, is faster than any other animal on earth and is mostly famed for this ability. Found in many parts of Africa and some parts of Iran. Cheetahs live in the open country and grassland zones which makes their spots invisible against tall grasses. Their slender bodies, long legs, and deep chests are specialized for high-speed chases, allowing them to reach speeds of up to 70 mph (112 km/h) in short bursts.
Cheetahs are unique from most other big cats in many ways. They have claws, which do not retract, which gives them additional traction while running, similar to spikes on a sprinter’s shoes. Furthermore, they cannot perform the roar but have other forms of voice, such as purring, making chirping sounds and growling. The fur around the eye area is black and has lines running from the inner corner of the eyes to the sides of the mouth to minimize glare when up to trees for a hunt.
Whereas lions and leopards have a lot of muscles with which they can overpower their prey, cheetahs are relatively weak muscular animals that depend on their speed to track down their prey. They prefer hunting during the day because there are few competitors from nighttime hunters such as owls and lemurs. Its prey comprises small to medium-sized leaf-deprived pedestrians such as gazelles, impala and springbok.
Cheetah Facts & Tidbits
- Speed and Agility: Cheetahs are also capable of moving from 0 – 60 miles within just 3 seconds. With strong hip and abdominal muscles they can reach up to a distance of 7 metres (23 feet) in one bound.
- Social Structure: Male cheetahs have to socially group with other males. These groups are normally brothers and are known as coalitions. Females are more solitary only when they are breeding their cubs.
- Vision: Cheetahs have great vision since they can identify prey from a distance of up to 5 kilometres or 3 miles away.
- Cubs: Cheetah cubs are born with a long, greyish coat at the back called mantle which is probably designed to mimic the shape of a Honey Badger to scare away predators.
Distribution Map
Historically cheetahs inhabited the regions of Africa, Asia and the Middle East however today they occupy less area due to hunting or killing by humans. Today they are mostly found in the sub-Saharan region, with large concentrations in Namibia, Botswana and Kenya. There is only a tiny and very vulnerable population surviving in Iran currently.
Cheetahs are found in countries that consist of wild natural terrains such as savannas, grasslands and desert edges because they require ample space to hunt and run. In contrast to other big cats of the world, they do not prefer woody large forests and mountainous terrains.
Cheetahs are not migratory animals but they move from one point to another in search of large spaces on which to move and hunt. Their home ranges are flexible reflecting the density of prey available. Males occupy less area than females because the females have to support cubs.
Best Places to Spot Cheetahs in the Wild
Cheetahs are elusive but can be observed in specific wildlife reserves and parks:
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Known for its vast grasslands, perfect for cheetah sightings.
- Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: A hotspot during the annual wildebeest migration.
- Etosha National Park, Namibia: Offers a high density of cheetahs due to well-managed conservation efforts.
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Botswana/South Africa: Open terrain provides excellent visibility for cheetah tracking.
Status of the Cheetah
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Threats to cheetahs include illegal wildlife trade, urbanization, human-animal conflict, and habitat degradation from agriculture. Fragmented populations are more likely to inbreed, reducing genetic diversity and making them more prone to illness.
Less than 7,000 cheetahs are left in the wild today. Rewilding initiatives and community-based projects are examples of conservation programs that try to save their ecosystems and lessen conflicts between people and wildlife. To rebuild ecosystems, several nations are trying to reintroduce cheetahs into historic areas.
We can contribute to the preservation of this remarkable species for upcoming generations by increasing awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.
