Animals
Class: Mammal
Biome:
Conservation Status: Endangered
About this animal
The cheetah is an inhabitant of the savannahs or grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals and are capable of attaining speeds in excess of 110kph. Slender body, long legs, and a flexible spine are some of the many adaptations or features which allow it to reach such high speeds. It’s tail acts as a balancing aid facilitating sharp turns while pursuing prey. Unfortunately, their slender build often means that it is unsuccessful in defending itself, its cubs or its prey on encountering other large predators. The cheetah is carnivorous, feeding on smaller animals such as hares and young antelope. The solitary female gives birth to 3-6 cubs, they are born with a thick mane of grey fur on their back. It is thought that the cubs mimic honey badgers, ferocious mammals which are feared throughout the African savannahs.
Did you know?
Despite the cheetah’s ability to reach such high speeds, it can only be maintained for up to 60 seconds. An increase in body temperature even by several degrees can lead to irrecoverable brain damage.
