Cheetahs

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a slender, long-legged cat built for speed. The black "tear marks" running from the inner corners of its eyes to its mouth are thought to reduce the sun's glare and help it see prey.

Where does it live?

Most cheetahs live in the open savannas and grasslands of eastern and southern Africa. A very small population, the Asiatic cheetah, struggles to survive in Iran.

What does it eat?

It is a carnivore that feeds on small and medium antelopes such as gazelles and impalas, as well as hares and birds. It stalks close to its prey and then launches a short, very fast chase that usually ends within a few hundred metres.

Behaviour and social life

Females usually live alone apart from their cubs. Males often form small groups called coalitions, usually with their brothers. Cheetahs typically hunt by day, which lowers the risk of meeting lions and hyenas that are active at night. Even so, they often lose their kills to stronger predators.

Cubs

After a pregnancy of about three months, a female has on average 3–5 cubs. The long grey fur on the cubs' backs is thought to help protect them from predators. Cub mortality is high.

Conservation status

The cheetah is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Because cheetahs need very large areas, they are hit hard by fragmented habitat. Conflict with farmers and the illegal pet trade are also serious threats.

Fun facts

• A cheetah's claws are only partly retractable, which helps it grip the ground while running.
• Its long tail helps it balance during sharp turns.
• Cheetahs cannot roar, but they can purr.