CHEETAH Acionyx jubatus MAMMAL order Carnivora Description 3.5-4.5 in long, 2-3 ft high at shoulder; tail 2-2.5 ft long with a series of black rings on the last third. 85-145 lbs, males slightly larger than females. Coat coarse and short, tawny with small dark spots, paler underneath. Characteristic black strips running from the inner corner of each eye to the edge of the mouth. Large, slender cat with small, rounded head, long legs, and a loose, rangy build. Rounded amber eyes, short, rounded ears. Cubs under 3 months old have a silver mantle of fur along the neck and spine. Range Africa; original range included Southern Asia and the Middle East. Largest populations inhabit southern and eastern Africa. Status This species is listed as endangered and commercial trade of this species is prohibited by international law. It is hunted for its fur and as a predator on domestic livestock. It is vulnerable to habitat destruction through agricultural expansion and the resulting loss of natural prey. It is difficult to breed in captivity. Lincoln Park Zoo is a member of the Cheetah SSP. Photo © James P. Rowan Photography

Ecology Habitat grasslands; most habitats in Africa except rainforest; open country where there is enough natural cover for stalking.   Niche carnivorous: preys upon gazelles, impala and other medium-sized animals, also hares. Prey is suffocated with a bite to the underside of the throat. Preyed upon by leopards and lions; cubs preyed upon by hyenas. Diurnal and nocturnal; more of a daytime hunter than other cats. Hunts during the heat of day, avoiding competition with larger cats. Females are solitary except when raising cubs, and follow migratory herds of gazelles; most males are territorial, marking with urine, feces and scratch marks. Males often live in permanent groups of 2-4, sometimes composed of littermates. Prey is hunted by stalk and chase. Cheetah is the fastest living land mammal, reaching speeds of over 60 mph for brief periods. Capable of climbing. Vocalizations include purrs, chirps and yelps. Life History Mating nonseasonal; gestation 90-95 days; litter size 1-8, avg 3. Cubs weigh 8-11 oz and are born blind. Cubs separate from mother at 15-17 months, siblings remain together several months longer. Sexually mature at about 2 yrs. Life span about 12 yrs, longer in captivity. Special Adaptations Slender build and highly flexible spine enable animal to make extremely long and rapid strides when chasing prey. Tooth structure permits air intake, enabling animals to maintain a relentless suffocating bite on prey. Blunt, semi-retractile claws provide additional traction during rapid acceleration and direction change while chasing prey. Heart, vascular system, lungs and adrenal glands are all enlarged, enhancing the animalls ability to accelerate and navigate during a high-speed chase. Dark stripes under its eyes diminish glare, enabling it to see better while hunting during the day. Drags prey to a hiding place before eating, protecting it from hyenas, vultures and other carnivores. Spotted coat breaks up body outline.