Special Features
- The Cheetah is different from other spotted big cats because it has a lithe build, small head and long legs. They also have a trail of tears on their face.
- It is the fastest land mammal in the world although it cannot maintain that speed for only about 200-300 yards. It can, however, maintain a speed of 45 mph for up to 3.5 miles.
- The Cheetah suffocates its prey by closing its jaws on the animal's windpipe.
- Their claws are not retractable.
- The tail acts as a rudder for quick turns.
- The eyes have an elongated retina providing a sharp wide-angle view.
- Dark tear marks minimize glare.
- 5000 years ago, the Cheetah was trained by man for hunting.
- Cheetahs were once raced against greyhounds.
Social Structure & Behavior
Males will establish a territory far from their parents. Females will stay close to home. Females without cubs are usually solitary. They are not aggressive to other cheetahs, preferring retreat to attack. She is not territorial.
The male is rarely solitary usually living in all-male groups of 4 or 5.
The groups is fiercely territorial.
Breeding &Care of Young
Sexual maturity is 20-24 months.
Gestation is 90-95 days resulting in a litter size is up to 8 cubs.
Cubs are born blind and helpless for 11 days.
At 6 weeks the cubs are strong enough to follow the hunt. At 6 months the mother will capture live prey for them to practice killing.
The young are weaned at 3 months.
Cubs leave the mother after 13-20 months. The females leave first, then the males who set off together.
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