The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large feline, known for its incredible speed and agility. Native to Africa and parts of Iran (Asiatic Cheetah, scientific name Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), the cheetah is a marvel of evolution, perfectly adapted for chasing down prey across the savannahs and grasslands.
Its slender body, long legs, and distinctive black “tear marks” running from the eyes to the mouth make it easily recognizable.
Cheetahs typically measure between 3.5 to 4.5 feet in body length, with an additional 2 to 3 feet for the tail. They stand around 28 to 36 inches at the shoulder.
Adult cheetahs weigh between 77 to 143 pounds, with males generally being slightly larger than females. While not as powerful as other big cats like lions or tigers, cheetahs are incredibly strong for their size, with muscles specifically adapted for explosive acceleration.
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 to 70 miles per hour in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters. They can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just a few seconds.
Their semi-retractable claws provide extra grip during high-speed chases, while their long, muscular tails act as rudders to steer and balance at top speeds. Cheetahs have a distinctive coat of tan or gold fur covered in black spots. Each cheetah’s spot pattern is unique, much like a human fingerprint.
The aforementioned black “tear marks” help reduce glare from the sun and aid in focusing attention on prey. Cheetahs also have excellent vision, which is crucial for spotting prey from long distances.
They are well known for getting on top of safari vehicles to get a better look, when scanning for prey.
Cheetahs primarily hunt during the day, with a preference for dawn and dusk. Their diet consists mainly of small to medium-sized ungulates, such as gazelles and impalas.
They rely on their exceptional speed to catch prey, typically employing a stalk-and-chase strategy. Once within striking distance, a cheetah will sprint towards its target, often tripping it with a swipe of its paw.
They then suffocate the prey by clamping down on its throat.
Cheetahs do not have a fixed breeding season and can mate throughout the year. After a gestation period of about 90 to 95 days, a female will give birth to a litter of 3 to 5 cubs.
Cheetah cubs are born blind and helpless, weighing around 8 to 15 ounces. They have a mantle of long, blue-gray hair along their backs, which provides some camouflage and protection.
Cubs stay with their mother for about 18 months, learning vital hunting and survival skills before becoming independent.
Cheetahs are currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, with an estimated 7,100 individuals left in the wild. Their populations are threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and initiatives to mitigate human-cheetah conflicts.
Fun Facts
A cheetah’s tail can be nearly as long as its body, providing balance and steering during high-speed chases.