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