Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The fastest land animal
Behavior and diet
Reaching speeds of 115 kp/h (70 mph), the cheetah is the fastest land animal. It can go from 0 to 100 kph (60 mph) in just three seconds. The cheetah is the smallest of the three big cats in Africa, with the lion and leopard being the other two cats. Unlike the lion and leopard, it cannot roar. But it can purr and mew like its domestic counterparts. Another distinguishing characteristic of the cheetah is that it is a diurnal hunter, which means it hunts during the day. It prefers tall grass savannahs where it can silently watch and stalk its prey. The cheetah is a carnivore and it eats a wide range of prey, with a strong preference for various types of antelope. After a gestation period of 90 to 98 days, female cheetahs typically have a litter of three cubs (although up to nine is possible), and live with them for one and a half to two years. The cheetah's mortality is very high during the early weeks of its life; up to 90% of cheetah cubs are killed during this time by lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs or even by eagles.
Did you know?
- The cheetah is the only big cat that doesn't possess retractable claws. Its claws act like track spikes and help it achieve great speeds.
- The cheetah is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of over 110 km/h (70 mph).
- Cheetah can purr.
- Cheetahs are diurnal hunters, which means they hunt during daylight hours.
Found in these top parks and game reserves
Cheetah photos
Photo taken at Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya by Safariline Defender Tours Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
20 Feb 2020
Which way are you looking?
Photo taken at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania by Yvonne and Chris Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
30 Oct 2017
Pair of cheetahs
Photo taken at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania by SafariHub Mikumi National Park, Tanzania
16 Jun 2014
Cheetahs with a kill
Photo taken at Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya by Soin Africa Safaris Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
27 Apr 2018
Photo taken at Tarangire National Park, Tanzania by Absolute Holiday Safaris Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
06 Nov 2019
Cheetahs having Fun, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Photo taken at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania by Simba Safaris Ltd Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
31 Dec 2015
Found in these countries:
Botswana
DR Congo
Kenya
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
International cheetah day is celebrated on 04 December
What's my name in Swahili?
Login to Your African Safari
Join YAS
Register via Facebook
By proceeding you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Or fill in our registration form
Want to add your company? Please complete member form first.