The cheetah is sometimes referred to as the "greyhound of cats".
It has a slender build, long spotted white tipped tail, spotted coat
with single rounded black spots.
It has a small rounded head with the characteristic "tear mark"
which runs from the inner corner of both eyes to the corner of the mouth.
The cheetah is the only member of the cat family with non
retractable claws.
Its long tail is used as a rudder for balance and has special pads
for traction.
The cheetah is the smallest of the big cats of Africa - reaching a shoulder
height of about 80cm and weighing 55 kg (male) and 40 kg (females).
From a resting position, the cheetah can reach a speed of 80 km/h in
less than 3 seconds but is unable to sustain full speed for long distances.
Cheetah are present in the larger national parks but very scarce and
not often seen.
They usually move in small family groups and occasionally alone.
Favouring
open country and light woodland, they prey on small or medium antelope
such as oribi, puku and impala. They also hunt young warthog, hares
and porcupine.
This solitary hunter relies on its famed speed and keen eyesight.
It will stealthily stalk its prey before attempting a short dash when
prey within 30m.
To cope with the physical demands of sprinting, the cheetah has longer
back legs for greater stride and weight has been lost at the expense
of muscular strength.
Cheetahs are diurnal and today less than 12,000 remain, mostly in eastern
and southern Africa. As a result of shrinking habitat, disease and high
mortality rate in cubs, the cheetah is classified as an endangered species.
Between 1 - 5 cubs can be born at anytime of the year. They are born
blind and defenseless and will be hidden in dense bush for the first
few weeks of its life.
Photos
These photos were taken at Spurwing
Island, a wonderful safari camp on Lake Kariba shores adjoining Matusadona
national park
Top photo - Cheetah cubs at Impala kill - the previous
week the same single mother of three made an abortive attempt to kill
a waterbuck - a bit ambitious - must have been Lotto night
Bottom photo - Not sure why the cheetah cub has a
ridge on it's neck |
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