Cheetah

SPECIES: Acinonyx jubatus

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This large and slender cheetah is distributed across more than 25 African countries, boasting a population of around 12,000. However, the Asiatic sub-species is in a critical situation, with only 50-60 individuals remaining in Iran.

Cheetahs utilise various vocalizations for communication. Purring expresses contentment and enjoyable social interactions, particularly between mothers and cubs. Chirping resembles the sounds of little birds and is used by mothers and cubs to call each other. Churring is observed during social gatherings. Growling, hissing, and spitting occur in response to annoyance or danger. Yowling intensifies in situations of heightened danger or fear.

Diet

Cheetahs are carnivorous and enjoy small antelope, gazelle and fresh game. Cheetahs only eat fresh kills and prefer smaller fast moving game.

Social

Females Cheetahs can give birth to as many as 9 cubs at once, but usually 3-5 after a gestation period of 90 to 98 days.
The birth weight of a Cheetah cub is between 150g to 300g.
Cub mortality is as high as 90% during the first weeks after birth.
Cheetah siblings stay together in a group after their mother leaves them at 18 months.
The females will leave the group and live and hunt alone, while the males form a coalition and hunt together.

ANIMAL FACTS

Cheetah

GROUP NAME

Coalition

Native To

SIZE

Weight: from 35kg to 70kg and body length 1.1 to 1.5m

BABY NAME

Cub

Habitat

Flat open grasslands are the favourite choice for Cheetahs, but they can also live in lightly wooded areas and deserts

Did You Know?

Cheetahs have the fastest land speed of any living animal with a top speed of up to 120 kilometres per hour. They can go from 0 to 100km/hr in 3 seconds.

Cheetahs lose up to 50% of their prey to theft by Hyenas, Lions and Leopards.

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