The cheetah, a majestic and awe-inspiring predator, roams the grasslands, savannah, and deserts of Africa and Asia. Renowned for its breathtaking speed, the cheetah is a symbol of power, agility, and adaptability. In this article we will delve into the world of cheetah physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, and the conservation efforts to protect this necessary species. Here are 8 speedy facts about cheetahs that will surprise you.
1. CHEETAH ARE THE FASTEST LAND ANIMAL ON EARTH
Cheetahs are incredibly fast, and they can reach a maximum speed of up to 114 km/hr (70.6 mph). They can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/hr in just three seconds, which is faster than most sports cars. Cheetahs can cover ground quickly, but they tire fast. They can maintain their top speed for around 20-30 seconds, covering a distance of approximately 200-300 meters. They stalk their target, often antelopes or small mammals, until they are within 60–100 feet (18–30 meters). Once close enough, the cheetah launches into a full-speed sprint, zigzagging as needed to match the prey's movements. Precision and timing are crucial; if the cheetah fails to catch its prey within seconds, it often abandons the chase to conserve energy.
2. UNLIKE OTHER BIG CATS CHEETAH ARE DIURNAL
Cheetahs are diurnal, which means they are active during the daytime and rest at night. This is unusual for big cats, as many of them are nocturnal or crepuscular. Many of the preferred prey species, such as antelopes ands, are also diurnal, making it easy for cheetahs to hunt them during the day. By being active during the day, cheetahs avoid competition with other predators like lions and leopards, which are more active at night.
Cheetahs can make sharp turns, up to 180 degrees, while chasing prey, allowing them to quickly adjust their pursuit. Cheetahs can rapidly change direction, making them difficult to predict and allowing them to catch prey off guard. Cheetahs' flexible spines allow them to stretch and extend their bodies while running, covering more ground with each stride. Cheetahs' slender bodies and long legs enable them to navigate through dense vegetation and tight spaces with ease. Cheetahs are highly efficient hunters, with a success rate of around 50%. However, they often lose their kills to stronger predators like lions and hyenas, as they lack the physical strength to defend their prey.
Cheetah cubs have a thick, woolly coat and a distinctive "mantle" or "cape" on their back. This mantle is a thick, greyish-brown fur that covers their shoulders, back, and sides and helps them blend in with their surroundings. The thick fur of the mantle helps the cubs regulate their body temperature, keeping them warm in the cold and cool in the heat. The mantle may also play a role in identifying individual cubs, as each cub's mantle pattern is unique. As the cubs grow and mature, the mantle gradually disappears, usually around 3-4 months of age. By this time, the cubs have developed their adult coat pattern and are better equipped to defend themselves.
5. TEAR MARKS OF CHEETAH: NATURE'S BUILT IN SUNGLASSES
6. CHEETAH PREFER GRASSLANDS AND SAVANNAS RATHER THAN DENSE FORESTS
Jungles are dense, tropical environments with thick vegetation, which can make it difficult for cheetahs to use their speed and agility to hunt. Cheetahs struggle to navigate through dense undergrowth. Cheetahs need room to run and chase prey, which is abundant in grasslands and savannahs. Grasslands and savannahs are home to a variety of prey species, such as antelopes, gazelles, and hares. Cheetahs can run and maneuver easily in open habitats, allowing them to chase and catch prey.
7. CHEETAHS EAT QUICKLY DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF OTHER PREDATORS IN THEIR ECOSYSTEM.
Cheetahs typically eat their prey quickly, often within 10-15 minutes. They gulp down large pieces of meat, sometimes swallowing even bones and fur. Cheetahs don't drink much water, getting most of their moisture from their prey. Scavengers like vultures and hyenas might try to snatch a meal from a cheetah's kill if they don't consume it fast enough. This adaptation is crucial for cheetahs to survive in their ecosystem, where competition for resources is high.
8. THE ONLY BIG CAN'T ROAR
Cheetahs differ from other big cats, such as lions and tigers, in their vocal abilities. They cannot roar but make a variety of sounds, including chirps, purrs, growls, and hisses. Chirping, in particular, is a high-pitched sound used to communicate with their cubs or other cheetahs.
9. CUBS FACE HIGH MORTALITY RATES
Cheetah cubs have one of the highest mortality rates among big cats, with up to 90% of cubs not surviving their first year. Predators such as lions, hyenas, and eagles pose significant threats, and the mother must constantly move her cubs to new hiding spots for their safety. Cheetahs are known for their low genetic diversity, which stems from a genetic bottleneck that occurred approximately 10,000 years ago. As a result, cheetahs are highly susceptible to inbreeding depression, where the lack of genetic variation leads to reduced fertility, weakened immune systems, and a higher susceptibility to disease. This lack of genetic diversity can ultimately shorten the lifespan of individual cheetahs and contribute to population decline.
---
Cheetah cubs rely heavily on their mother's hunting skills for food during the early months. If the mother is unsuccessful in her hunts or if prey availability is low, the cubs may starve. In addition, diseases, either from infected prey or from other animals in the ecosystem, can significantly contribute to high mortality rates. As cubs are still developing immune systems, they are particularly susceptible to diseases.
0 Comments