Cheetahs

Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal. They can reach 60 mph at a high rate of acceleration. They are very nimble at high speeds, and use their tails as a rudder and claws like spikes. They ar sometimes not considered large cats because they don’t roar, rather they purr. They have tawny coats with black spots, and black stripes from their eye corners to the edges of their mouth. They also have black rings on their tails.

They are sized like leopards, with a sleekness of their own. Typical weights are 75-140 pounds. They do not habituate in groups. Typically the female live alone and roam in large areas. Males are solitary but often seen with 1-2 companions, usually litter mates. They can mate with several partners, and a litter can contain offspring from different fathers. Litters are usually three in number, and the kittens stay with their mother for 1 1/2 years.

Cheetahs tend to be daylight hunters. They rely on stealth and camouflage, and very keen eyesight. Often they can be seen on the savannah atop small knolls or fallen trees, surveying for prey. They hunt antelopes, warthogs, hares, birds, etc. Their MO is to stalk, then sprint. Kills are by suffocation. They will eat fast, and are susceptible to kill theft by lions and hyenas.

Human growth continues to constrict the active areas for cheetahs, and they are susceptible to poaching and human responses to assaults on livestock. Cubs are open to lion kills. The species is considered vulnerable. Population in Africa is estimated at less than 7000 adults.

We quite often see cheetahs, although this year was rather lean. On our last morning at Lagoon Camp, our guide Spencer Mathambo along with K1, our tracker, was able to track and eventually find a mother cheetah and two six month old cubs.