Photo by Peter Frank Description and Characteristics: The Cheetah
is the fastest land mammal in the world and can reach speeds of 80-100 km/h.
However, it is only able to keep up this speed for a short period of time. The
cheetah has a slender body, a small head, and long legs, which makes it ideal
for speed, it is also the only cat without retractable claws which allows the
claws to always be exposed, makes for better traction when running. The tail is
also adapted to help maintain balance at high speeds and during quick turns.
The cheetah has a background colour of light golden yellow/tan, covered
with small, round, black spots on the cheeks, forehead, crown, neck, and limbs.
They have a distinctive black tear-shaped from the corner of the eye to the
corner of the mouth and a mane-like black stripe running the length of their
back.
Cheetahs do not roar like lions and tigers. Instead, they make
birdlike chirping sounds for communication with other members of the family and
they hiss when angered or threatened and purr loudly when they are content. If
they are alarmed they whine or growl.
A cheetah has a good sense of
smell and communicate by scenting tree trunks, bushes and termite mounds with
their waste.
Cheetahs are typically solitary creatures although males
sometimes live with a small group of brothers from the same litter.
Feeding/drinking Habits: The
cheetah's diet consists of impala, springbok, gazelles, kob, warthogs, lesser
kudu, blackbuck, hares, and game birds. Male coalitions sometimes take larger
prey such as wildebeest. They generally stalk their prey until they are only
about 20 meters away, then they chase, which lasts about 20 seconds. The
cheetah is only successful in catching it prey in about half of all chases and
they often lose they catch to lions and hyenas. Unlike other large cats, the
cheetah generally hunts during the daytime.
Habitat: Cheetahs are confined to parts of
Eastern and Southwestern Africa. They are well adapted to dry habitats such as
savanna grasslands and semi-deserts. Cheetahs prefer grasslands that offer
unobstructed views of their surroundings; such habitats make it easier to
detect prey as well as predators.
Size &
Lifespan Male cheetahs are slightly larger and heavier than
females. Cheetahs are approx. 95 cm tall, and measures 182 cm in length. Males
weigh about 55 kgs and females about 40 kg. On average a cheetah lives for 12 -
14 years in the wild
Reproduction: The gestation period is usually 3
months and a female gives birth to between 2 and 6 cubs. They breed throughout
the year and it is the female who raises the cubs. A cub stays with its mother
for about one year before venturing off by itself. The male cheetah plays no
part in the upbringing. Cubs are smoky grey in colour with long woolly hair,
called a mantle, running along their backs.
Predators and Threats: Cheetahs are often killed
by lions and hyenas, especially their cubs. Up to 80% of the cubs do not
survive. In recent years human encroachment on their habitat and hunting has
dramatically reduced their numbers.
Cheetahs (WLL)- by Luke
Hunter an easy-to-read introduction to this magnificent animal, illustrated
with spectacular color photographs, taken from all over the world by
award-winning photographers. Compelling/Unique Features: Acclaimed wildlife
books draw on the knowledge, personal experiences and research of the world's
leading naturalists; illustrated by award-winning photographers. Buy
From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - Europe
Cheetah (Big Cat Diary) - by
Jonathan Scott, Angela Scott stunning color photos and first–hand
narration, these companion books offer a rare insight into the lives of these
magnificent animals. Presenter, author, and photographer Jonathan Scott has
written about the Mara cats for over 25 years. Angie Scott, born and raised in
Africa, is an award–winning wildlife photographer. Buy
From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - Europe
Cheetahs (Zoobooks Series) - by
Linda C. Wood, Cynthia L. Jenson Reading Level: Ages 9-12 : Discusses the
habits and behavior of cheetahs and presents several cheetah-related
activities. Zoobooks is packed with current scientific facts, striking
photography, beautiful illustrations and unique activities that teach children
about animals and the habitats in which they live. Buy From (amazon.com) - USA(amazon.co.uk) - Europe
