What is a Cheetah?

A cheetah is a placental mammal in the cat family. It is yellow with black spots, like that of a leopard’s or jaguar’s. The difference is the spot pattern and the body structure of the animals. The cheetah’s spots help it blend into the tall grasses of the African grasslands so it can ambush it’s prey.

Predators

Eagles, hyenas, and lions sometimes like to feed on cheetah cubs.

Prey

Cheetahs have a variety of prey, including antelopes like gazelles, small mammals like rabbits, and even wildebeest calves.

Features of the Cheetah

Speedy

A cheetah can run up to 70 miles per hour in about 3 seconds. This makes it the fastest land animal in the world! But how do they reach their high speeds?

Long, Lean Legs

Cheetahs have a long stride that is about 7 meters. This enables them to go really fast.

Non Retractable Claws

Unlike most cats, the cheetah cannot retract it’s claws. The claws give them traction when running.

Use of the Tail

Cheetahs use their tail to steer when they run. The tail also helps the cheetah maintain balance.

Face Markings

The cheetah has black markings from their eyes to their mouth. This reflects the glare of the sun so the cheetah can spot predators and prey far away.

Camouflage

Cheetah cubs have long, black and white hair to look like a honey badger. Honey Badgers are tough. If this fools a predator, he would leave the cub alone.

 

Cheetahs are now endangered. Since there are less than 10,000 left in the wild, they are considered the most endangered cat in the world.