Scientific Name:
Acinonyx jubatus
Distribution
S, E, NW Africa, Iran.
Diet:
Carnivore. Gazelles, small to medium-sized antelopes or larger ungulates, giraffe and African buffalo calves, warthogs, sheep, ostriches, guineafowl, hares.
Facts
Habitat: Open grassy plains, arid land.
Weight: male: 54kg , female: 43 kg
Dimensions: head to torso 121-145cm, height 79-94cm
Gestation: 90-98 days, 1-8 young
Lifespan: ~8 years
Social structure: Solitary females, male groups, females with their offspring.
Estimated population in the wild: 7,000 - 10,000
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with farmers, competition with other large predators, high (up to 95%) juvenile mortality (mainly due to predation by lions).
Did you know that:
- It is the fastest mammal on Earth reaching up to 110km/hour, but only for short distances up to 300m.
- Its claws are not fully retractable, enabling it to grip the ground when in a hunting sprint.
- Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar, but they will purr.