Cheetah Facts: Speed, Habitat, Diet & More

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest land animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds of 70 mph in short bursts covering distances up to 1,600 feet. They can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, which is faster than most sports cars. This incredible speed makes them apex predators in the African savanna.

Behavior and Hunting

Cheetahs are diurnal hunters, meaning they hunt during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. They rely on their exceptional eyesight to spot prey from up to 3 miles away. Unlike other big cats that use stealth and power, cheetahs depend on speed and agility. They stalk their prey to within 200 to 230 feet before launching their attack.

Diet and Feeding

Cheetahs primarily feed on small to medium sized ungulates including gazelles, impalas, and springboks. They also hunt hares, birds, and young wildebeest. After a successful hunt, cheetahs must eat quickly because they're not strong enough to defend their kill from larger predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas.

Physical Characteristics

Cheetahs have distinctive black tear marks running from their eyes to their mouths, which help reduce sun glare and improve focus while hunting. Their bodies are built for speed: a lightweight frame, long legs, a flexible spine, enlarged heart and lungs, and semi retractable claws that provide extra grip like cleats on running shoes.

Reproduction and Cubs

Female cheetahs give birth to litters of 3 to 5 cubs after a gestation period of about 90 to 95 days. Cubs are born with a silvery gray mantle of fur on their backs, which helps camouflage them from predators. The mother raises the cubs alone, teaching them to hunt. Only about 5% of cheetah cubs survive to adulthood due to predation from lions, leopards, and hyenas.

Communication

Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar. Instead, they produce a variety of vocalizations including purring (like domestic cats), chirping (bird like sounds to communicate with cubs), and stuttering (when excited or greeting each other). They also use scent marking and visual signals.

Threats and Conservation

Cheetahs face numerous threats including habitat loss, human wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade. Their population has declined by over 90% in the past 100 years, with only about 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild. They're listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats, reducing human wildlife conflict, and establishing protected corridors.