Cheetah

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Cheetah

Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Acinonyx Species: A. jubatus
Binomial Name
Acinonyx jubatus

The word Cheetah actually originates from a Hindi word, which means "spotted one." Cheetahs are carnivorous cats that are best know for their spots and their speed. They are found mainly in Southern Africa. They rely on speed for hunting, and not stealth, unlike most cats. Females tend to be solitary, while the males spend their whole lives together. They have smaller teeth than most cats, which helps improve the cat's respiratory system. A cheetah's life span in the wild is about 12 years. Ancient Egyptians sometimes kept cheetahs as pets, and used them for hunting.

Anatomy

All fully grown cheetahs have yellow fur along with black spots. These spots cover nearly the whole body. Their tail ends with a series of black rings. Cheetahs have a relatively small head, with high set eyes and a "tear mark" running from each eye to the mouth. Cheetahs also have small teeth. The smaller teeth allow air to flow more easily, allowing the cheetahs respiratory system to work well while it is running at high speeds. Adult Cheetahs weigh between 80 and 140 lbs, are about 32 inches tall at the shoulder-blades, and are about 48 to 56 inches long. Cheetahs most resemble leopards, which they are often mistaken for. Leopards are much heavier and have no "tear marks." King Cheetahs have a rare and different fur pattern. The fur pattern (which can be seen in the gallery) is caused by the cheetah inheriting recessive genes from both parents. The King Cheetah has been seen in the wild only 6 times. [1]

Speed

Almost every part of a cheetah's body is built, in some way, to help it run faster. They have semi-retractable claws, as well as special paw pads on their feet to give the cat good traction. As mentioned before, large nostril and a clear intake help get air in and out quickly and smoothly. The cheetah's spine acts as a spring for its back legs. Their tail is much like a rudder, it gives the cat added agility, enabling it to turn quickly. The cheetah's top speed is an amazing 71 miles per hour. This speed can only be held out for about 200-300 yards. The cheetah can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, faster than many sports cars. [2]

Reproduction

Cheetah with offspring

Male cheetahs are sexually mature around 12 months. Females are sexually mature anywhere in between 20-24 months. Males usually do not mate until they are at least 3 years of age. Mating takes place year-round. After a gestation (the carrying of an embryo or fetus inside a female viviparous animal) period of 90-98 days, the female will give birth to as many as 9 cubs. The cubs are born with spots. Almost 90% of the cubs that are born are killed within the first couple weeks by predators such as hyenas or eagles. Cheetahs have been know to live to over 20 years of age in captivity, but they lose speed with age, and thus they often live short lives. Their life expectancy in the wild is only 12 years. Female cheetahs are fairly solitary and will live alone except when raising cubs. When the cubs have reached 18 months, the mother will leave, and the cubs will form a "sibling group" and stick together for another 6 months. The female cubs soon depart the group, and the males stay together for life. [3]

Ecology

Cheetah density range

Cheetahs used to be found in all of Africa, and stretched into India as well. Now they are mainly found in Central and Southern Africa. They dwell in sub-deserts, steppes (treeless plains), and grass plains. They choose environments with tall bushes or trees to hide from predators. [4]