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As many people know, the cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world, reaching speeds of up to 75 mph (qtd. in Caro 1994). However, there are many things about this unique animal that most people do not know. First described as Felis jubatus in 1776, the cheetah presently found in Africa called Acinonyx jubatus (Caro 1994). This interesting animal preys primarily on large mammals of the Serengeti plains and sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, the cheetah's range is shrinking, and the total number of cheetahs in the world is on the decline .

Picture Courtesy Mkmsweet. Permission Requested.

Cheetahs live in sub Saharan savannas and arid zones where they can find suitable prey. Sub-Saharan Africa ishome to all of the cheetahs in the world today. Concentrated in the Serengeti plains, cheetahs find optimal living conditions on these plains. The Serengeti plains are found in southeastern Africa in the countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Typically, the plains experience a wet season (from November to May), and a dry season (from June to October).

Cheetahs exhibit an extraordinary lack of genetic diversity, suggesting the species went through a genetic bottleneck in their evolutionary history. They rely on vegetation such as bushes or grass to hide from predators and to get within sprinting distance of their prey when hunting. Cheetahs are diurnal animals and prey on gazelles, antelopes, impala, kob, young zebra, and small game such as hares (Caro 1994).

The cheetah is built for speed with long, thin legs, and long, slender body. Adult males weigh from 77-143 lbs., and females weigh approximately 20 lbs. lighter than males. Cheetahs (male and female) are approximately 28-36 inches tall with a long tail (26-32 inches). Their feet are small and their claws are unsheathed, a rarity in the felids (Caro 1994).

Please explore this site to learn more about this amazing animal.