The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
is the fastest land animal on Earth, capable
of sprinting at 60 to 70 miles per hour. This is accomplished via a slender
build and a highly flexible spine that allows cheetahs to make their
characteristic long strides. Cheetahs live to about 12 years (17 in
captivity) and mature at 20-23 months of age. They are highly territorial.
A typical adult cheetah weighs between 80 and 140 pounds, and eats
about six pounds of meat per day. They rarely drink more than once every
four to ten days.
Cheetahs live on medium-sized prey (usually up to about 85 lbs), such
as gazelles, impala, wildebeest calves, and even hares. Typically, they
will stalk their prey until they are within about 100 feet before they
launch their attack. Because of their lightning-fast acceleration, the
actual chase at the end of a hunt averages about 550 feet and lasts only
20 seconds.
Cheetahs are easily recognized by the black
"teardrop" markings down the sides of their faces (not found on
leopards or jaguars). Additionally, they stand out by being the only
member of the cat family whose claws don't retract into a protective
sheath, but remain exposed to help with traction. Cheetahs are the largest
member of the "small cat" classification, distinguished from the
"large cats" by the fact that they can purr, but cannot roar.
Native to Africa and southern Asia, this majestic animal has been
relentlessly hunted for its coat, and has been forced onto the endangered
species list. There are now probably fewer than 25,000 cheetahs in all of
Africa.
