Cheetah – Order – Carnivora
Family - Felidae
Genus - Acrinonyx
Species - Acinonyx jubatus
Cheetahs are the world’s fastest animal on land and can sprint at speeds up to 110km/h (68 mph).
It stalks its prey within a short distance before accelerating for the final sprint which only lasts 20 – 30 seconds. It brings down its prey by slashing at a back leg with a hook like claw on its front paw. It then locks its jaws round the victims throat, actually death is brought about by suffocation.
After this hard work a cheetah has to recover from the chase and actually often loses the kill to hyenas or lions – they don’t defend their kill, they are no match to such competitors.
They are day time hunters, their diet usually comprises of gazelles, small antelope hares and game birds.
They reach sexual maturity between 20-24 months and there is no specific breeding season – they breed all year round. The gestation period is 90-95 days. They can give birth to 1-8 young but usually it 2-4. Their baby fur helps camouflage them from predators in long grass, and mimics the colouring of a ferocious Honey badger to detour would be hunters. The cubs will stay with their mother until they are about 18 months.
Cheetahs are built for speed, from their organs to their extra large nasal passages for extra air intake. Their tails act as rudders and balancing poles for sharp turning, where their low set shoulder blades enable the front legs to extend freely. Their spines are extremely long and flexible, allowing them to take massive strides of up to 8m (26 feet). Rigid footpads and non – retractable claws are essential for a firm ground grip in high speed chases.
Unlike other big cats they don’t roar or growl but make a small chirping noise like a bird!
I took this photo at the South Lakes Wildlife Park in Cumbria in 2006 not in the wild I am afraid! Aren't they wonderful!
