Why African Cheetahs Are Remarkable

Scientific Classification and General Characteristics

African cheetahs are members of the Felidae or cat family - scientific classification Acinonyx jubatus.

Sometimes because of similarity with other species, cheetahs may often be confused with leopards. One identifying mark would be the tear mark (distinctive black fur running from the eyes to the mouth) found on the cheetah's face, which leopards don't have.

The name "cheetah" comes from a Hindi word that means "spotted animal" obviously because this animal is totally covered by spots all over the body except in its abdomen and the throat area.

Their small head is not completely proportional to its 45 to 53 inch body length.

Cheetah relaxing

The average weight of cheetahs is about 50 kilograms, and although males are slightly larger and have bigger heads than the females, there is no clear distinction between the opposite sexes in terms of appearance alone.

Cheetah on hind legs

Fastest Land Animals

The African cheetahs are known for their unique speed, the fastest among land animals with speed ranging 112 to 120 km/hour. They would typically cover distances of up to 1,500 feet in short bursts with a capacity to increase of up to 110 km/hour; however, they can only keep up with this speed for short periods only.

Some contributing factors for the cheetahs astonishing speed includes:

• The slender body.
• The long legs.
• Exposed claws for easy traction when running.
• The long tail (average of 33 inches) helps maintain the balance and turns during high speeds.

The cheetahs are members of the cat family but what they have in speed they lack in climbing abilities.

Two African Cheetahs

Cheetahs Hunting

Cheetahs are carnivores and eat small animals they hunt using their keen eyesight. The natural spots of African cheetahs make it possible for them to be camouflaged in the grass and wait for their prey. They use their incredible speed to catch their prey, targeting the throat to block the windpipe until breathing stops.

Young cheetahs

Cheetah Cubs

Female cheetahs usually give birth to 2 to 4 cubs after ninety to ninety-five days of gestation.

The mother starts to teach the cub the kill technique when they are six months old, but they can leave the den after six weeks when they are strong enough to hunt on their own or join the pack in hunting. However, the cub usually goes back and stays with the mother for at least one year to continue learning hunting and survival techniques.

Cheetah cub

King Cheetahs

The King Cheetah has an interesting genetic variation of the fur pattern. Although they were originally considered to be a subspecies, further research has identified the differences as being a genetic mutation.

Please also check the African Cheetahs page on the FascinatingCats.com website for more cheetah photos and information.