The name probably comes from an Indian wod "chita", meaning "spotted one".
Cheetah are gracefuly, long-legged members of the cat family. They have a relatively small head, a long, rather bushy tail which is white at the tip. Their beautiful tawny coat has small, roundish black spots, spread evenly over the body. Conspicuous dark lines run from the front of the eyes to the upper lip. A small mane along the top of the shoulders is ofter visible. Its whole anatomy is adapted for speed. Cheetas are true cats, in spite of the fact that they cannot retract their claws. However, as cubs they can do so, and the loss of this ability in later life is just an adaptation for running.
Due to their method of hunting, Cheetah prefer fairly open to lightly-wooded savanna, where visibility is good. They can also survive in semi-deserts as well as fairly thick bush. It is commonly accepted that an adult cheetah in its prime can reach speeds in excess of 100km/h, but this can only be sustained over short distances as cheetahs have very little stamina.
Hunting in a group is common. The prey is knocked off balance with a backward pull by the cheetahs claws. The teeth are used only to kill the prey after is has been knocked down. Death of the prey is, in most cases, due to strangulation.
They are among the most timid of predators.
When water is available, they drink regularly, but in arid conditions like the Kalahari, they can go for considerable periods without water.
The geatation period is from 90 - 95 days. Between 2 and 6 cubs are born - the average being 4. For the first 8 weeks the female hides her cubs very well, but still, about half of the cubs die within the first few months of life. Small cubs are vulnerable to eagles, hyenas, leopards and lions. Diseases such as cat flu and rickets probably also play an important role. The young usually stay with the mother up to the age of about 2 years.
Cheetahs are trustworthy and in fact make excellent pets. However, the keeping of cheetahs as pets is prohibited in South Africa.
Come and see them in real life with L&J Tours! For more information, contact Judy at : lj-tours@iafrica.com |
