Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Quick stats of the Cheetah

Diet: – Carnivore
Shoulder Height: – 0.8 m
Weight: – Male – 57 kg
Weight: – Female – 50 kg
Lifespan – 14 years

Description

Cheetahs favour wide open plains and avoid densely wooded or mountainous regions. In open grassland with scattered patches of trees, they run their prey down in a short burst of very high speed. Cheetahs have been known to reach speeds of 100 km/h in these short chases. To watch such a chase and witness the astonishing acceleration displayed by a cheetah intent on felling its prey, provides a scene few other larger predators can rival.

They are often found in groups of two or three, and roam over large areas. Unlike leopards, they are more active by day, and also have solid black spots all over the body. Most characteristic is the black ‘tear-mark’ running from the inside of each eye down to the outside of the mouth. Lanky, streamlined animals, they are built for speed, having long thin legs, a relatively elongate thin chest and abdomen, and a head which is less bulky than that of a leopard. Not so obvious a difference is that cheetah cannot fully retract their claws.

The female gives birth to 1 – 5 cubs after a gestation period of 3 months.

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Conservation Status

Cheetahs are currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They face numerous threats to their survival, including habitat loss due to human activities, human-wildlife conflicts, and poaching. Encroachment of their habitat by agriculture and development has led to fragmented populations, making it challenging for cheetahs to maintain genetic diversity.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation organizations and governments in various African countries are working to protect cheetah populations. Efforts include habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and programs to mitigate conflicts between cheetahs and humans.

Other Names for the Cheetah

Jagluiperd

Distribution

African Range: Cheetahs are primarily found in various countries across Africa. Their distribution spans a range of habitats, from grasslands and savannas to semi-arid regions. African countries where cheetahs are known to exist include:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Mozambique
- Angola
- Algeria
- Niger
- Mali
- Sudan
- Chad
- Central African Republic
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Uganda
Asian Range (Historical): In the past, cheetahs had a range that extended into parts of western and southwestern Asia, including countries like Iran, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula. However, their presence in Asia has declined significantly, and as of my last update, there were few, if any, remaining cheetahs in the wild in these areas.