Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus)

Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus)

What is a Cheetah?

The Cheetah, a hunting leopard, is big cat that occurs in mainly in North and Eastern Africa as well as parts of the Middle East, particularly Iran. Whilst most big cats are described as well... big, Cheetahs are lightly built which aides in its fast speeds which clock up to 93-116 km/ph! They are characterised by their slender body, deep chest, thing long legs and tail, spotted coats and small rounded head with black tear like streaks on its face. It uses its tail as a rudder to change direction quickly while running.

Mother Cheetah and her cubs

What do Cheetahs eat?

Cheetahs are carnivores. They feast on gazelles, wildebeest calves, impalas and  small hooved animals which are readily available in their habitat. They have evolved with extremely incredible eyesight which help them seek prey all while being camouflaged by blending into the tall grassy landscape. 

Two cheetahs taking down prey

Where are they found?

Typically found in North and Eastern Africa and the Middle East

Map showing range of cheetahs including its current and former range

Subspecies

There are 5 subspecies of the cheetah

• Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus Venaticus)- Also called the Iranian or Indian Cheetah. Found in the Middle East.

• Northwest African Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus Hecki)- Also called the Saharan Cheetah. Found in Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger

• South African Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus Jubatus)- Also called the Namibian Cheetah. Found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia

• Central African Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus Seommeringii)- Also called the Sudan Cheetah. Found in central and northeastern regions and in the Horn of Africa.

• East African Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus Raineyii)- Also called the Tanzanian Cheetah. Found in Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.

Map showing the current and former range of the subspecies of the Cheetah

How do they move?

The following is a video which talks about the cheetah and its movements and speed

Video courtesy National Geographic

Cheetah on the move: Note its tail 

Conservation Status

In 1900, there was an estimated 100,000 cheetahs in the world, Today, there are between 9000-12000 cheetahs, remaining in the World. Due to human activity such as habitat encroachment, which is an invasion of their home, decreases the size of their home and the other animals that live there which serve as their food. This reduces the number of prey available which is another factor leading to their extinction. 

Their current conservation status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is listed as Vulnerable. This indicates that they are at a high risk of extinction in the wild. 

However, conservationists are working to prevent habitat loss and are educating farmers about proper ways to help decrease fatal attacks on cheetahs. 

Quiz to be done as part of assessment>>> HERE

Welcome Screen

Welcome

     In this blog, we will be looking at the types of big cats for General Science. Students will be taught about some of the types of big cats that live in the wild, as well as, using technology in order to create posters, a table of comparison of the the cats and an e-journal. 

Below is an introduction to some of the big cats we will be looking at:

Please use the sitemap to be redirected to the appropriate section of the course.

Course Sitemap:

• Lions

• Cheetahs

• Tigers

• Jaguars

• Poster

• Table

• E-journal

Authors: Avinash Sahadeo Kristine Ali Sarah Mohammed Vanessa Rajkumar

All about Lions

LIONS

what are lions?

The lion is one of the big cats in the genus Panthera and a member of the family Felidae. The commonly used term African lion collectively denotes the several subspecies in Africa.They are also the second leading largest cat in the world

http://ww38.hejigsawpuzzles.com/Animals/Lion-jigsaw-puzzle

Where do they live?

• Lions live in  grasslands, scrubs and and open woodlands of Saharan Africa.
• A small population of Asian lions exists in India's Gir Forest. Asian lions and African lions are subspecies of the same species. Asian lions once prowled from the Middle East to India.

Location where lions live

Lions and Prides

• Lions are sociable animals  that live in groups called Prides.Prides are family units that usually  have three males and multiple females and cubs.
• Reason they form prides are the fusion of subgroups of lions.
•  Females defend pride territory, males defend females from other males.
• No recruitment of outside females, all highly related and grow up in pride.
• Young males forced to leave the pride at about three years old. 

Pride

Lions and Hunting?

Lions hunt with the pride especially for bigger preys.They use the sneak attack approach on victims .As well as corner the prey when hunting with pride.

Lions and fights

Lions usually fight when they see or feel a thread from other males or outsiders.They use their mane as protective shields.

Click on the site: http://easyscienceforkids.com/fun-lions-quiz-free-interactive-general-quiz-questions-for-kids/

Fun facts on lions

Lion’s are known as king of the jungle, but they really don’t live in jungles.

A male lion is called a lion.

A female lion is called a lioness.

A baby lion is called a cub.

  A male lion has a mane and a female does not.

A males mane will begin to grow at 18 months and will continue to grow until they are 5.

A male lion can weigh between 400-500 pounds and sometimes more.

A female lion can weigh 290-350 pounds.

Lions deer and other herd animals.

The female lions are the hunters. They usually hunt at dusk or at night.

The female lion will bring the food back to the pride.  The male will eat first than the females and last the cubs.

A lion can runs at speeds up to 50 miles per hour but not for long distances.

When a lion walks their heels do not touch the ground.

Unlike other cats lions are great swimmers.

A lion’s roar can be heard as far as 5 miles away!

Lions rest for up to 20 hours a day.

Remember Simba from Disney’s Lion King?  Did you know that the Swahili (a language in Africa)word for Lion is Simba!

A mother lion gives give to 1-4 cubs every 2 years.