• cheetah
  • cheetah
  • cheetah
  • cheetah
  • cheetah

Cheetah

The head of the cheetah is narrow. Under his eyes is a black stripe to the side of the mouth. This ensures that he can see better in the sunlight. This is why rugby players for example also have black stripes underneath their eyes. 

The cheetah is different from the other cats. They are much slimmer and built for speed. Cheetahs have a flexible spine, a tilted pelvis and long legs. The claws are also different because they can’t withdraw them so they are not as sharp as other cats. They use the claws to get more grip will running.

Cheetahs also have a long tail that ensures balance as he runs. The whole body is built for speed and the fastest land animal on earth. If they filled in the sprint they are taking steps from 7 to 8 meters. They have to compromise on this strength and other cats will kill cheetahs if they have the change.

Habitat
They prefer to live on open plains with grass. The cheetah colors serve them well in the dry grasses because they are  almost impossible to see. A few bushes for shelter is all they need.  A cheetah needs water to be around but if necessary they will be able to survive 10 days without water.

Information

Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnavoria
Family: Faliae
Scientific name:
Acinonyx jubatus
Shoulder Height: 60 - 80 cm
Length: 110 - 135 cm,
tail 65 to 85 cm
Weight: 40 - 65 kg
Found in: Africa, and in
very small numbers in
Afghanistan and Iran
Age: 10 - 12 years
Gestation: 90 - 95 days
Throw: 1 - 8 normal is 2 to 4
Speed: 105 - 110 km/h