Cheetah – “The Racy Cat.”
Scientific name: “ACINONYX JUBATUS”
The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world and most unique and specialized member of the cat family, sprinting up to 70 miles per hour (Mph)! However, this fast cat can only maintain its top speed for short distance (less than one-half mile, due to a poor internal cooling system).
Unlike other cats, the Cheetah has a leaner body, longer legs, and has been referred to as the “greyhound” of the cats. Cheetahs’ slender, and streamlined body allows them to run fast and their flexible spine and long legs enable them to take big strides. They also have over-sized lungs, heart and breathing passages, thus are able to pump more oxygen during runs. Their long tail acts like a counter balance when running semi-retractable claws provide better traction during sprints.
The spotted coat provides good camouflage perfect for sneaking up on unsuspecting victims. And the black “tear drops” under each eye may enhance their vision by reducing glare from the sun.
The Cheetah is often mistaken for a leopard. Its distinguishing marks are the long tear drop-shaped lines on each side of the nose from the corner of its eyes to its mouth. Its coat is tan, or buff color, with black spots measuring from ¾ to 1 ¼ inches across. There are no spots on its white belly, and the tail has spots which merge to form four to six dark rings at the end. Its paws have only semi-retractable claws, the only of its type amongst the species of cats and offer the cat extra grip in its high-speed pursuits.
Female cheetahs have been known to catch live prey for their cubs to use as hunting practice.
The cheetah hunts mainly by day and follow its prey from a distance mainly selecting the old, injured or young animals whose speed will be impaired. Its favorite prey is ‘gazelle’ but also preys on the Impala, Antelope and other grazing animals. They may sometimes eat fruits like watermelon although usually are carnivores.
The female cheetah is solitary but the male lives in groups of two or three and is strongly territorial. The mating period lasts throughout the year and following a gestation period of 90-95 days. It may produce up to 8, but usually 2 to 5 cubs. 50% of these is killed by predators, the few that survive reach sexual maturity within 20-24 months.
Cheetahs like to live in the open area. So because of their liking for that; they are usually found in the grasslands, desert-like plains, savannahs and like areas that have tall grass. They can live for 10-15 years in the wild and even longer in captivity. In Uganda, Cheetahs are traditionally only present in the vicinity of Kidepo National Park though several sightings in the North of Murchison Falls suggest they may yet re-colonise the park.
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