Built for speed, Cheetah is one of the most fascinating animals. A design at the epitome of rhythm, Cheetah outclasses all on the plains of Africa, establishing himself as one of the most successful hunters in the cat family. Although not listed among the big cats by many experts due to its inability to roar, the Cheetah is one of the most envied big game predators in the wild, prompting frequent violent reactions from lions and leopards who often find themselves unable to to compete with the hunting prowess of Cheetah.
Perfected with a sleek, lean physique, the cheetah ranges in weight from 100 to 150 pounds, with its long body and tail aiding it in high-speed activities. The coat is generally yellowish with small black spots along its length. The belly, like most cats, is whitish. Evolutionary adaptations that allow the Cheetah to generate tremendous speed include large nostrils, heart, and lungs (which allow maximum oxygenation during rapid pursuits), large adrenal glands (for the adrenaline rush!), rudder-shaped tail ( to maintain balance and turn quickly to match the intelligent Thomson’s gazelle) and non-retractable claws (to provide ‘grip’ on the ground during pursuit).
The Cheetah’s speed means it can take down prey most predators don’t even think about – the Springbok is magnificent in its own right, and yet it can’t evade the Cheetah half the time. Impalas and jackrabbits are also frequent targets of prey, while wildebeest are only hunted in pairs. The usual approach is to stalk prey and get as close as possible. When he’s close to being seen, the Cheetah begins the chase, reaching 0-100 km/h in three seconds, Cheetah outperforms most modern cars, capable of reaching 125 km/h with his feet almost appearing not to touch the ground! I usually! After bringing down the prey animal, the Cheetah’s powerful jaw muscles allow it to crush the victim’s trachea, while the large nostrils allow it to breathe simultaneously, allowing it to sustain itself for long periods. High speeds also tire this great hunter, raising body temperature to dangerous levels. The cat therefore remains after the hunt, making it vulnerable to scavengers such as hyenas, who often claim the kill.
Cheetah have an organized social structure, with males forming coalitions and females hunting and breeding alone. A large litter is born after mating which continues throughout the year, although a fraction of the cubs survive and are often killed by lions, leopards and hyenas. Maturity is reached in one year for males and two years for females, after which they leave the mother to establish her territories, with ranges varying by habitat. Cheetahs prefer relatively open grasslands and are not very adaptable to changes in their environment.
Limited adaptability, inbreeding, hunting by farmers and poachers, and the removal of animals from the wild for use as pets, throughout history, have meant that the cheetah lacks genetic biodiversity as a species to a degree. alarming, and some experts fear it may survive. The splendid cat is considered threatened in Asia and vulnerable in Africa, with foundations in Africa working to restore its ecosystem in the wild and overcome the scarcity of prey and habitat that threaten the flourishing of this fantastic animal.
