Cheetah Information

There is a great deal of Cheetah information resources available online, presenting comprehensive knowledge on the species, its physical and behavioral characteristics, hunting habits and other aspects of their life in the wild. Unfortunately, the number of Cheetahs has decreased dramatically over the past century. In olden times, they used to be common in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Today, their range is limited to regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

The Cheetah belongs (Acinonyx jubatus) to the felidae family, but he has a number of physical and behavioral traits that single him out from the rest of the “big cat world”. These cats are often confused with leopards, but it takes just a little closer look to see that his body formation is very different from the leopard’s. Cheetah Information resources specify the following differences between the species and the leopard and other felids.

The Cheetah has a streamlined and very flexible body and a relatively small head. These cats stand around 90 inches tall, and their body weight ranges from 90 to 140 lbs. Cheetahs have tan coat with black spots all over the body except the throat and the belly. The spots are round or oval, measuring 0.75 to 1.5 inches in diameter, but not rosette-shaped, like in leopards. Cheetahs have distinctive “tear marks” running from the inner corner of the eye and down to the mouth. Leopards do not have such markings. Although spotted is the most common coat color pattern for this animal, Cheetah Information resources contain descriptions of other coat colors that have occurred within the species.

The Cheetah’s body is built for speed. All Cheetah Information websites emphasize the animal’s ability to develop high speed in a matter of seconds. These cats can run up to 70 miles per hour (but only for 200-300 yards). They have light bones, long and springy spine, and vertical shoulder blades, which facilitate and lengthen the stride. Their internal organs – heart, lungs, adrenals and liver – are very large and hence they can keep the animal physically fit for fast runs. Their sharp semi-retractable claws and padded feet provide for a firm contact with the ground and therefore for good traction.

Cheetahs have a keen vision, which, coupled with their exceptional speediness and maneuverability, is very helpful in hunting. These felines hunt mammals whose weight does not usually exceed 80-90 lbs. Their diet includes Thomson’s Gazelles, Grant Gazelles, as well as the young of larger ungulates and small mammals. Cheetahs are diurnal hunters, and they are active at dawn and at dusk. They are social animals. Females are solitary, and males usually form coalitions, which often consist of siblings. Females reach maturity by twenty four months, and males – by twelve months. These cats mate year round, and females give birth to 3-6 cubs on the average. Unlike other wild cats, Cheetah cubs are born with spots, and with a ‘mantle’ around the neck and extending to mid-back, which is formed by a downy fur that sheds with age. There are tons of Cheetah information available on the Internet and featuring more detailed knowledge on the animal’s life mode and behavior.