![]() It could take up to 30 minutes for a cheetah to recover from a chase. Like Bolt, the cheetah is a sprinter – not a long distance runner – and can only attain high speeds in short bursts due to the tremendous drain on its energy resources. The cheetah can accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in 3 seconds, making it the fastest land animal on the planet. Cheetahs require large areas of land for survival, so increased human settlements and road construction in their habitat puts them at risk.The spectacle of a cheetah running at full speed is art the anatomy and physique facilitating its speed and agility is genetic engineering at its best. Historically, cheetahs have been hunted for their fur, but today some of the biggest threats to their survival are loss of habitat, and competition for resources. With around 10,000–12,000 individuals left in the wild, cheetahs are Africa’s most endangered big cat. What is the biggest threat to cheetahs?Ĭheetahs are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Cubs typically stay with their mothers for one and a half to two years. How long do cubs stay with their mothers?įemale cheetahs spend a long time caring for their cubs and teaching them essential survival skills like hunting. Initially, mothers leave the cubs hidden whilst hunting, but cubs will start accompanying her at around six weeks. Following a pregnancy of three months, female cheetahs will give birth to a litter of 2–8 cubs in a secluded spot such as a rocky outcrop or marshy area with tall grass.Ĭubs are vulnerable to predators, and many do not survive the first year. Female cheetahs on the other hand are caring, affectionate and dedicated mothers. Male cheetahs do not remain with the females after mating, and do not play any role in rearing young. There is no specific breeding season and cheetahs will mate with many individuals throughout their lifetimes. Where do cheetahs give birth?Ĭheetahs start reproducing at a young age males at the age of one and females at two. The tail essentially acts like a rudder on a boat. How does the cheetahs tail help when running?Ĭheetahs long muscular tails have a flat shape that is used for balance and steering. ![]() Cheetahs are the only big cat that can turn in mid-air while sprinting. They can accelerate from 0 to 68 miles per hour in just three seconds. The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. ![]() Males however, live in small family groups of 2–3 brothers, known as coalitions. ![]() ![]() Are cheetahs solitary?įemale cheetahs are solitary, living alone or with their young. How often do cheetahs drink?Ĭheetahs have evolved to live in an environment where water is scarce, and can survive on one drink every three to four days. Cheetahs will also feed on wildebeest calves and, occasionally, smaller animals including rabbits, hares and birds. Their diet is made up primarily of smaller antelopes including springbok, steenbok, Thomson’s gazelle, impalas, and duiker. What do cheetahs eat?Ĭheetahs are carnivores, so rely on meat for survival. Previously, cheetahs were wide-spread across African and Asian continents, but now they are confined mostly to dry open grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa, with the majority inhabiting natural reserves or parks. How many spots do cheetahs have?Ĭheetahs have between 2,000 and 3,000 spots, which help them to camouflage themselves. Black tear-shaped streaks on the face help to reflect the sun when hunting. They have coarse, short fur that is yellowish tan in colour and covered in solid black spots. Built for speed, cheetahs are slender, with long thin legs and a long tail. ![]()
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