The cheetah, scientifically known as Acinonyx jubatus, is a unique large cat that belongs to the Felidae family. It is the only surviving species in its genus, found mostly in Africa and Persia.

Historically, cheetahs also roamed parts of West, Central, and South Asia. These cats thrive in dry, open habitats like grasslands, semi-deserts, and rocky areas. They got their name from the British era in India, where the royal family raised them for hunting.

Hunting Style

Cheetahs are easily recognized by their small, round heads, short snouts, and large eyes with white markings. Their fur is golden-yellow, dotted with small, solid black spots. The cheetah’s long limbs and slender body make it highly suited for speed, and its tail helps maintain balance during sharp turns. There are four subspecies: Southeast African, Northeast African, Northwest African, and Asiatic cheetahs. The largest and most numerous is the Southeast African cheetah, with males weighing 29-71 kg and females 21-63 kg.

Cheetahs 101 | Nat Geo Wild

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Evolution for Speed

Cheetahs don’t ambush their prey like most big cats; instead, they rely on speed to catch their food. As the fastest land animal, cheetahs can run at speeds of over 120 km/h, making them expert chasers. Their acceleration and ability to reach high speeds make them formidable hunters.

Evolution for Speed

Cheetahs are built for running. They have a lightweight skeleton, long limbs, and a flexible spine, all contributing to their incredible speed. Their tail acts as a counterbalance, allowing them to turn sharply while running at high speeds. Unlike other cats, cheetahs' claws don’t retract. These blunt claws work like cleats, providing extra grip and preventing slips during high-speed chases.

Genetic Background

For years, cheetahs were classified in their own subfamily, Acinonychinae, due to their unique features. However, genetic studies have shown that cheetahs are closely related to other cats in the Felinae subfamily, sharing a common ancestor with North American wildcats like cougars. This ancestor lived around 6.7 million years ago. Cheetahs later migrated to Africa, while their North American relatives went extinct about 11,000 years ago.

Conservation Threats

Despite their speed, cheetahs face many threats. They have disappeared from many regions, and the Asiatic cheetah is now critically endangered with fewer than 100 individuals left. The main causes of their decline are human activities, including excessive hunting, habitat loss from overgrazing, and human-wildlife conflict, such as traffic accidents. These factors are driving the cheetah to the brink of extinction.

Ending Note

Cheetahs are not only the fastest animals on land, but they are also among the most vulnerable. By understanding their needs and threats, we can support efforts to conserve them. It’s essential that we work together to ensure future generations can witness the extraordinary speed and grace of the cheetah in the wild.