Kingdom	Animalia	Sub-Species A.J. Fearsoni A.J. Hecki A.J. Jubatus A.J. Soemmeringii A.J. Venaticus
	Phylum	Chordata
	Class	Mammalia
	Order	Carnivora
	Family	Felidae
	Genus	Acinonyx
	Species	Jubatus

Physical Description

Cheetahs are one of the most unique members of the big cat family. Known for it's spotted coat, slender body, small head, and long legs, the Cheetah's physical features help make it the fastest land animal in the world. When you also consider that they have tread-like foot pads and are the only cats with semi-contractible claws (which improve traction), have a spring-like spine (which allows for a quick start and continued acceleration), and have an enlarged heart and lungs (which allow for more demanding respiratory activity), it's no wonder that Cheetah's can reach 40 miles per hour in just several strides and sprint up to 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) in a matter of seconds. This cat was built for speed!

A Cheetah's spots run from head to tail, which explains it's given name. The word cheetah is Hindi for 'spotted one'. When the spots reach the end of the tail, they are large enough to wrap around it and form about a half dozen dark rings. Cheetahs also have a spotless white belly and distinct 'tear stripe' markings on their face. These stripes run from the corners of their eyes to the corners of their mouths, and have the added benefit of aiding in hunting and protecting their eyes from the sun.

Cheetahs have body lengths of about 4 ft. (112-135 cm), a shoulder height of around 2-3 ft., and tails that extend more than 2 ft. (66-84 cm) in length. They weigh up to 140 pounds (54 kg).

Breeding & Social Order

After a three month gestation period, Cheetah's give birth to 2-6 cubs, which are born blind and toothless. To protect them from predators, the mother moves the baby Cheetahs every few days. Cubs also have the added protection of long hair that runs down their back, called a mantle, which acts as a natural camouflage in grass. When Cheetahs are between 1-2 years old, they separate from their mothers.

A few months before the cubs are 2 years old, the mother leaves them to fend for themselves. They remain together for a few months, until the females are finally separated from the group by larger male Cheetahs who are seeking a mate.

When not raising their cubs or mating, female Cheetahs live a solitary life. Male Cheetahs, though, live in small groups made up of their brothers. As a group they have more protection from predators, have a better ability to protect their territory against other Cheetah groups, and they increase their hunting success.

Threats to Survival

The long term survival of the Cheetah will be a challenge. The few Cheetahs who do not die as cubs live only about 10 years in the wild, and around 12 years in captivity. Furthermore, Cheetahs have been dealing with a multitude of other difficulties, including genetic weaknesses from inbreeding, loss of habitat, poaching by hunters and farmers, a shrinking base of prey, and predation by other animals.

Diet & Habitat

Unlike most cats, Cheetahs are diurnal animals, which means that they are active and hunt during the day. Though they possess great speed, Cheetahs can only maintain their quickness in short bursts (about 600 yards before needing rest), making hunting a challenge. Thus, they first stalk their group of prey, moving within a short distance, and then spring an attack on what they perceive to be the easiest victim.

Cheetahs enjoy all shapes and sizes of food, ranging from small antelopes and warthogs to rabbits and large birds. When they do capture an animal, Cheetahs bite the neck of their lunch and lock their jaws around the wind pipe for up to several minutes until the prey suffocates. A Cheetah has enlarged nasal passages, which makes breathing easier while it's suffocating the prey. Understandably, Cheetahs tire easily from this method of hunting, so they rest before eating. The result? They often lose their bounty to scavengers. Even with their incredible speed and hunting prowess, food is no guarantee for these cats.

A majority of Cheetahs now live in Africa, except for a small population in Iran and Afghanistan. They once roamed a much larger variety of habitats, but now are restricted to the open savannas, ranch lands, and preserves of Africa. While they are most often seen in the savannas or passing through farming areas, which are ideal for their hunting abilities, they are also known to live in the denser forests and mountain areas.

Conservation Status (Endangered)

A century ago, there was a sizable world Cheetah population of approximately 100,000 cats, ranging from India to the Southern tip of Africa. Unfortunately, due to loss of habitat, hunting (by people and animals), a decline in prey, and a high mortality rates of cubs, there are only about 12,000 remaining Cheetahs scattered throughout Africa. Though Cheetahs used to roam over 40 Asian and African countries, they now are mostly relegated to a few African locations.

Namibia is home to the the largest congregation of Cheetahs, with roughly 2000 cats living on farm lands, ranches, and wildlife preserves. Unfortunately, even the Namibian Cheetah populations have been decimated over the past decade, with over 7,000 cats killed by ranchers who believe the Cheetahs are a threat to their livestock. However, more ranchers are becoming educated about the importance of protecting the remaining Cheetahs, and some have even turned their ranches in to preserves.

General Information

Since a Cheetahs vocal chords do not allow it to growl or roar, they instead hiss, chirp, spit, bark, and purr when they become excited or aggravated.

When a Cheetah runs, only one foot at a time touches the ground. And, twice in its stride its feet do not touch the ground at all. A Cheetah's long tail helps maintain it's balance when chasing it's prey.