![]() ![]() As the only big cat with a semi-retractable claw-rather than the fully retractable claws that help lions tear flesh and climb trees-cheetahs are the sole member of the genus Acinonyx.Ĭheetahs’ coats can vary depending on their habitat. Bold black stripes streak like tears from the inner corners of their eyes down to both sides of their mouths, and the ends of their bushy tails are encircled by black rings. Appearance and habitatĬheetahs are famous for their tawny coats covered in black spots, each arranged in a unique pattern to help the animals identify one another. There are fewer than 7,000 adult cheetahs remaining in the wild. However, in recent years, scientists have argued that cheetahs should be considered endangered instead, pointing to sizable losses in cheetah populations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature currently lists the cheetah as vulnerable to extinction. Still, conservation groups tend to embrace the wider definition of “ big cats” that also includes snow leopards and cougars.Įven though their speed makes them fearsome hunters, cheetahs are the most vulnerable of the world’s big cats. Cheetahs can’t roar, though they can they purr. There’s some debate over whether cheetahs are “big cats.” Some scientists argue that the term only refers to cats that are capable of roaring: lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards. These cats are nimble at high speeds, able to make quick and sudden turns in pursuit of prey. Wild cheetahs are thought to be able to reach speeds of nearly 70 miles an hour-although they can only sustain that speed for about 30 seconds. With acceleration that would leave most automobiles in the dust, a cheetah can go from zero to 60 miles an hour in only three seconds. The cheetah is the world's fastest land mammal. Streamlined.Current Population Trend: Decreasing What is the cheetah? Height: 2.3’ – 2.8’ (70–85 cm) Weight: 120 to 128 pounds (50 to 59 kg) Length: body - 4.6 to 5 feet (1.4 to 1.5 m),tail - 24 to 28 inches (60 to 70 cm) Life Span: up to 12 years Special Design Feature: The cheetah is designed It is interesting to note that scientists now claim all cats can be traced back to one (three at most) different cat kinds. They are easily tamed and have been used by man as a hunting aid. However, they will go hunting with their mother as early as six weeks.Ĭheetahs can be and have been domesticated for about 4,000 years. Raise their own families until they are two or three years old. Cubs are dusty white and begin to develop adult coloration at three months, though their backs and neck will remain white until approximately eight months. A litter consists of four to five cubs which are 12 inches long (30 cm) at birth and, like other cats, born blind. The gestation period of the cheetah is 90 to 95 days. The cheetah’s habitat is in savannas and arid, open grasslands in Arabia, Iran, Turkistan, and south of the Sahara in Africa. When they hunt in groups, cheetahs can bring down prey larger than themselves. Them by bursting into a sprint and intercepting quickly. Cheetahs approach their prey by stealth and then surprise Gazelles are their favorite prey, although they will hunt other hoofed animals. ![]() The females are generally smaller than the males.Ĭheetahs usually hunt at dusk and dawn, resting during the day. Unlike other large cats, theĬheetah cannot retract its claws. Black spots cover its body, and two distinct dark lines stripe either side of its face. The cheetah’s legs are long and its shoulders high, giving its back a sweeping look. ![]() Streamlined and designed to run, the cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world, reaching speeds up to 70 miles (113 km) per hour for short distances. ![]()
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