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    Amazing facts about the Cheetah

    10 minutes read
    Amazing facts about the Cheetah

    Cheetahs have amber eyes and a sharp gaze as they identify their lunch three miles away—Thomson’s gazelle. The average human couldn’t spot such movement with a pair of binoculars from that distance, but cheetahs? No problem.

    It’s midday when the cheetah begins to close in on this gazelle. Her spotted coat and mantle of wavy back hair blend in perfectly with the savannah. Closer and closer, the cheetah lurks. Unlike other big cats of the Serengeti, cheetahs prefer hunting during the day.

    Forty meters away. Twenty. Ten. Suddenly, the race is on: the cheetah bursts from 0 to 60 miles per hour in three seconds, the time it takes you to blow your nose, and wham! Like a strike of lightning, the cheetah trips her prey—unfortunate for the gazelle but a success for the cheetah. Lunch is served.

    Introducing cheetah: The purring speedster of the Serengeti

    Cheetahs

    Drill down far enough into why safaris are popular, and you’ll come to the same conclusion: it’s all about the hunt. Our fantasies about the African bush are full of this dance between predator and prey, between food given and food received. To witness this drama on safari remains central to its allure. Here’s why we think Tanzania is the best choice for safari: Learn more.

    When you imagine your safari, what more iconic animal emerges than the cheetah, that regal feline with its slender torso, confident face, speed, and agility? Known best for its velocity, the only reason these cats ever reach such world-record pace is due to one thing: the hunt.

    The cheetah: Essential information

    Tanzania - shutterstock 256381822 - amazing facts about the cheetah

    Here are a few basic things to get you acquainted with the cheetah:

    – Species Name: East African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus). The name comes from the Sanskrit word “chitraka,” which means “spotted one.” There are five subspecies of cheetahs worldwide. The East African cheetah is the oldest and second-largest subspecies after the South African cheetah.

    – Average lifespan: 10-12 years

    – Size: 2.5ft-3ft at the shoulder, 90-190 lbs (40-86 kgs). It can grow 4-6 feet long.

    – Range: Cheetahs used to exist in large numbers in North America and Western Europe. They began a migration 100,000 ago and have yet to look back. (Source)

    – Estimated Population: Worldwide: 7,100-12,000; Tanzania: 1,000 (mainly in the Serengeti); 400-500 in Ngorongoro; 3,000-4,000 elsewhere.

    Top 5 cheetah facts to wow your safari group

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    1 – Their secret weapon for speed? The Cheetah tail.

    True, cheetahs are the fastest land mammals on the planet. Their fastest recorded speed is 71 mph (112 km/h). You’d get a speeding ticket on most highways for driving that fast! But here’s the secret: it’s the tail. Cheetah tails are super long and flat—like 2-3 feet long—and full of muscles to help steer like a rudder while they’re bursting towards prey.

    Another helpful adaptation for maximum speed is tear lines, black fur that runs from the insides of their eyes to the nose. Just as baseball players swipe black ink on each cheek to redirect sunlight away from the eyes, cheetahs evolved this trait so as not to become blinded by the sun. Here is an incredible video of a slow-motion cheetah vaulting at top speed:

    2 – A Cheetah barely drink water

    Despite being the world’s fastest land animal, cheetahs don’t need to drink water frequently. Surprisingly, they obtain most of their water intake from the body fluids of their prey. 

    As a result, cheetahs typically only drink water once every 3-4 days, demonstrating their remarkable adaptation to arid environments. This unique behavior allows cheetahs to thrive in their habitats without constant access to freshwater sources. (Source)

    3 – Good at running, bad at most other things

    Cheetahs are indeed the Usain Bolt of the Serengeti. They are renowned as the world’s fastest land animal, reaching 60-70 miles per hour in short bursts. However, cheetahs face significant challenges due to their specialized anatomy despite their incredible speed.

    Cheetahs have poor night vision, unlike other big cats, such as lions or leopards, limiting their hunting abilities after dusk. Additionally, they need to be proficient climbers like their tree-dwelling counterparts, which can restrict their access to certain prey or refuge from predators.

    Moreover, cheetah populations suffer from low genetic diversity, making them more at risk of diseases and environmental changes. Despite these challenges, cheetahs play a crucial role in their ecosystems as apex predators, contributing to the balance of prey populations.

    4 – Iran has cheetahs, too

    While the cheetah is commonly associated with the African savannah, the Asiatic cheetah subspecies resides in Iran and is much less known. Unfortunately, the Asiatic cheetah is critically endangered, with only 50 individuals remaining in the wild.

    Despite their endangered status, these cheetahs exhibit similar speed capabilities to their African counterparts, although they may be slightly smaller. Efforts to conserve and protect the remaining Asiatic cheetah population are crucial for the survival of this endangered subspecies.

    5 – Cheetahs can’t roar (they meow.)

    Despite being an endangered cat species, cheetahs don’t roar like other big cats, such as lions or leopards. Instead, they produce sounds akin to purrs, meows, and chirps.

    The absence of a roar in cheetahs is due to their anatomy; unlike roaring cats, they lack a two-piece hyoid bone necessary for producing roars. This unique feature distinguishes cheetahs’ vocalizations from other large feline species. (Source)

    Bottom line?

    Cheetahs rule the roost with their speed and agility. As muscle-bound daylight hunters of the savannah, look out for these stealthy ones perched atop rock outcroppings and cliffs (hopefully not in your safari vehicle

    Cool, curious, and confident, you’ll spot one of these “spotted ones” on your Easy Travel Safari. Contact us today, and let’s design your safari dreams together.

    Additional sources:

    Getting you there?

    With over 30 years of experience, Easy Travel is an award-winning tour operator with extensive knowledge of the local wildlife in Tanzania. Our guides have decades of experience and know where to go, when to go, and how best to see these animals (and many more!).

    Click here for more info. Get up close and personal on our Comfort Wildlife Encounters tour. Alternatively, get in touch and build your lifetime journey.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How fast can cheetahs run, and why are they known as the world’s fastest land animals?

    Cheetahs are famous for their exceptional speed. They can reach velocities of 60-70 miles per hour in brief sprints, covering distances of up to 500 meters. Their distinctive physical features, such as elongated limbs and a sleek body, allow them to attain such impressive speeds, earning them the title of the fastest terrestrial animal globally.

    This remarkable speed is crucial for hunting, allowing cheetahs to catch agile prey species like gazelles and impalas. Their ability to accelerate quickly and reach top speeds in seconds gives them a significant advantage when chasing down their prey.

    Are cheetahs social animals, or do they prefer solitude?

    Cheetahs are primarily solitary animals, with adult males typically living alone or forming small, transient coalitions with other males. On the other hand, female cheetahs may form stable social groups consisting of siblings or mothers with dependent offspring.

    However, these groups are temporary and may disband as the young cheetahs mature and become independent. This solitary nature allows cheetahs to focus on hunting and raising their young without the complexities of maintaining social hierarchies.

    What regions do cheetahs primarily inhabit?

    Cheetahs predominantly inhabit various habitats across eastern and southern Africa, including savannahs, grasslands, and semi-arid areas. Countries such as Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania boast the largest populations of cheetahs, highlighting their widespread presence in these regions.

    This distribution underscores the cheetah’s adaptability to different environments and ability to thrive in diverse landscapes with varying ecological conditions. The ability of cheetahs to inhabit such a range of habitats contributes to their resilience and survival across their natural range.

    How long do cheetahs typically live in the wild?

    In the wild, cheetahs typically have a relatively short lifespan, with most individuals surviving for around 8 to 10 years. However, in captivity, cheetahs can live significantly longer, with some individuals reaching up to 20 years of age under optimal conditions.

    Factors such as access to veterinary care, a consistent food supply, and protection from predators contribute to the extended lifespan of captive cheetahs. This stark difference in longevity highlights the challenges and hazards cheetahs face in their natural habitat compared to those in controlled environments.

    What is the hunting strategy of cheetahs, and what are their preferred prey species?

    Cheetahs are renowned for their specialization in hunting. They leverage their exceptional agility and acceleration to pursue prey. Their primary targets include smaller ungulates like gazelles, impalas, and wildebeest calves, which they chase down with remarkable speed and agility.

    Unlike other large predators such as lions or leopards, cheetahs rely primarily on their speed rather than brute strength to capture their prey. This unique hunting strategy allows cheetahs to excel in capturing fast-moving prey across their natural habitats.

    How do cheetahs catch their prey, and what role does their tail play in hunting?

    Cheetahs utilize a hunting method called coursing, where they stealthily stalk their prey from afar before initiating a rapid pursuit. Their long, muscular tails are rudders, granting stability and balance as they navigate high-speed chases.

    Moreover, their semi-retractable claws play a crucial role, offering traction and grip on various terrains, enabling them to execute sharp turns and sudden maneuvers during the pursuit. This combination of physical adaptations enhances the cheetah’s effectiveness as a skilled and agile hunter in the wild.

    Are cheetahs endangered, and what are the primary threats to their survival?

    Cheetahs are classified as a vulnerable species and face significant threats, making them the most endangered of Africa’s big cats. Their survival is jeopardized by various factors such as habitat loss, conflicts with humans, poaching, and illicit trade as exotic pets. 

    Extensive conservation initiatives are imperative to safeguard cheetah populations and their habitats, focusing on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, community engagement, and education to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

    How do male cheetahs differ from females in behavior and social structure?

    Male cheetahs are typically solitary, establishing territories overlapping with several females. They may form temporary coalitions with other males, often siblings, to enhance their hunting success and defend their territory from rival males. In contrast, female cheetahs tend to be more social, forming stable groups with their offspring or siblings.

    What is the current population status of northwest African cheetahs, and why are they critically endangered?

    Northwest African cheetahs are one of the most endangered subspecies, with an estimated population of fewer than 250 individuals remaining in the wild. Habitat loss, prey depletion, and human-wildlife conflict are the main factors contributing to their decline, leading to the IUCN’s classification as critically endangered.

    Do cheetahs exhibit parental care towards their offspring, particularly cheetah cubs?

    Female cheetahs are crucial in raising their cubs, providing them care and protection from birth. After giving birth to a litter of two to six cubs in a secluded den, the mother cheetah nurses them and ensures their safety for several months.

    During this time, she imparts essential hunting and survival skills to her offspring, preparing them for independence. Around 18 months, the young cheetahs become self-sufficient and leave their mother to establish their territories.

    How do cheetahs adapt to their environment to survive in semi-arid regions?

    Cheetahs have evolved remarkable physiological adaptations that enable them to thrive in semi-arid environments, such as their efficient cooling system. With significant nasal passages and an enlarged heart and lungs, they can intake more oxygen and dissipate heat more effectively. This is crucial for sustaining their speed during high-speed chases in hot climates.

    These adaptations contribute to their ability to regulate body temperature and endure strenuous activity in the heat of the savannah. As the fastest land animals, cheetahs rely on these specialized features to hunt and survive in their challenging habitat.

    What role do cheetahs play in their ecosystems, particularly in regulating prey populations?

    As apex predators, cheetahs play a crucial role in regulating prey populations, particularly herbivores like gazelles and impalas, by preying on weaker or sick individuals. By targeting these individuals, cheetahs prevent overgrazing and maintain ecosystems’ overall health and balance.

    Their presence promotes biodiversity by controlling the population sizes of prey species and ensuring the survival of healthier individuals. Thus, cheetahs, as top predators, contribute significantly to the sustainability and stability of their ecosystems.

    Are there any conservation initiatives to protect cheetah populations and their habitats?

    Conservation organizations are committed to safeguarding cheetahs and their environments through habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, and community-based conservation programs. Captive breeding and reintroduction efforts also play a crucial role in bolstering cheetah populations and genetic diversity. Together, these initiatives aim to mitigate the primary threats facing cheetahs and secure their future existence in the wild.

    What distinguishes cheetahs from other big cats in terms of physical characteristics and behavior?

    Cheetahs possess slender bodies, distinguished by their unique black “tear marks” stretching from their eyes to their mouths. This feature helps reduce the glare from the sun while hunting. Unlike lions and leopards, cheetahs’ claws are non-retractable, providing better traction during high-speed pursuits.

    Furthermore, cheetahs boast specialized adaptations tailored for speed, such as elongated limbs and a flexible spine, facilitating swift movements across the savannah. Their significant nasal passages also enable efficient oxygen intake during rapid sprints, allowing them to sustain their extraordinary speed over short distances.

    How do cheetahs communicate with each other, and what vocalizations do they use?

    Cheetahs primarily communicate through vocalizations, which is vital in their social interactions and territory maintenance. They produce a range of sounds, including chirps, purrs, growls, hisses, and yowls.

    Chirping is commonly used among mothers and their cubs to keep track of each other’s whereabouts during hunts or while resting. Growls and hisses are often employed during confrontations with rivals or to establish dominance within their social hierarchy.

    Yowls are more aggressive vocalizations used in territorial disputes or when defending their territory against intruders. Vocal communication helps cheetahs coordinate group activities, maintain social bonds, and establish dominance within their environment.

    How do cheetahs differ from other big cats in terms of hunting behavior?

    Cheetahs exhibit distinct hunting behaviors compared to other big cats, such as lions and leopards. Unlike lions, which rely on cooperative strategies to ambush and overpower larger prey, cheetahs are solitary hunters with incredible speed and agility to chase down smaller ungulates like gazelles and impalas.

    They employ a hunting technique called coursing, where they stalk their prey from a distance before initiating a high-speed pursuit. This strategy involves sprinting up to 60-70 miles per hour over short distances, allowing cheetahs to catch their prey through sheer speed rather than strength.

    Additionally, cheetahs have non-retractable claws and a specialized tail that act as rudders, providing stability and balance during rapid chases.

    What are the major threats to cheetah populations in the wild?

    Cheetahs are in danger because of various environmental challenges, leading to their classification as endangered. Activities like farming, building cities, and constructing roads have destroyed and broken up the places where cheetahs live. This habitat loss has made it much harder for cheetahs to find places to live and hunt for food.

    Human-wildlife conflict poses another major threat, as cheetahs often come into conflict with livestock farmers, leading to retaliatory killings and habitat degradation. Additionally, poaching for the illegal wildlife trade, particularly for the exotic pet market, further exacerbates the decline of cheetah populations. 

    Climate change and associated environmental disruptions also threaten cheetahs and their prey species, affecting their distribution, prey availability, and overall survival in the wild. 

    Musaddiq Gulamhussein - Owner - Easy Travel Tanzania

    About the author: Musaddiq

    Meet Musaddiq Gulamhussein, owner of Easy Travel Tanzania, a tour company creating life-changing safari experiences for over 35 years. Musaddiq has explored Tanzania, developing a deep understanding of the local cultures and traditions. Follow his journey and gain insights into the African Safari experience through Easy Travel's social media and blog.

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