Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
Also known as: Hunting Leopard
The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest land mammal, built for incredible bursts of speed on open grasslands. Recognisable by its slender body, long legs, and distinctive black 'tear' markings, cheetahs specialise in hunting small to medium-sized ungulates using short, high-speed chases.
Cheetah Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheetah
Unlike most cats, Cheetahs have semi-retractable claws that stay more exposed and work a bit like running spikes. Together with their hard foot pads and long tail, those claws give them extra grip and stability when accelerating, turning, and sprinting at very high speed.
The Cheetah can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa, small populations in Iran and is most often associated with Open grasslands, savannahs, scrub.
The Cheetah feeds on Small to medium ungulates (gazelles, impala), hares and is considered a apex predator.
The Cheetah is currently listed as Vulnerable, with a decreasing population trend. Main threats include Habitat loss, Human conflict, Lack of genetic diversity.
The Cheetah is usually solitary/coalitions (males).
The Cheetah is typically diurnal.
The Cheetah is resident.
The main threats facing the Cheetah include Habitat loss, Human conflict, and Lack of genetic diversity.
The Cheetah population trend is currently decreasing.
Well-known places to look for the Cheetah include Maasai Mara (Kenya) and Okavango Delta.
Natural predators of the Cheetah include Lions and Hyenas (on cubs).
Ultimate symbol of speed and grace in the animal kingdom.
The Cheetah is part of the Felidae family and a Carnivora order.
The Cheetah weighs about 50 kg, stands around 80 cm tall, and reaches about 130 cm in length.
The Cheetah can reach speeds of around 110 km/h.
