Cheetah: Running Speed, Life and Attacks of Cheetah

Introduction

Cheetahs are large carnivorous mammals belonging to the Felidae family. They are primarily found in various parts of Africa, including savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. These solitary animals are instantly recognizable by their unique black “tear tracks” that run from the inner corners of their eyes down to the sides of their noses.

Food and Diet

Cheetahs are carnivorous hunters with a specialized diet. Their primary prey consists of small to medium-sized ungulates.

Physical Characteristics

The cheetah stands approximately 2.5 to 3 feet (76 to 92 cm) tall. Their average weight ranges between 50 to 72 kg.
Cheetahs are built for speed. They possess several distinctive physical characteristics that contribute to their exceptional running prowess.

Lean and Muscular Body:

Cheetahs have a lean and aerodynamic body with long, powerful leg muscles designed for speed.

Semi-retractable Claws:

Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs have semi-retractable claws that provide them with better traction during high-speed chases.

Large Nostrils and Lungs:

Their enlarged nostrils and lungs enable them to take in more oxygen during intense sprints.

The Need for Speed:

Cheetahs are carnivorous predators, and their primary source of food includes small to medium-sized ungulates like gazelles and impalas. To successfully capture these agile prey, cheetahs have evolved to become the fastest land animals on Earth.

How Fast Can Cheetahs Run

Cheetahs are renowned for their incredible sprinting abilities. They can achieve speeds of up to 60 to 70 miles per hour (97 to 113 kilometers per hour) during short bursts of energy. However, these sprints are usually limited to distances of about 1,500 feet (460 meters) and last for less than a minute.

The Mechanics of Cheetah Speed

Several factors contribute to a cheetah’s ability to reach such astonishing speeds:

Acceleration:

Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just a matter of seconds, making them incredibly quick off the mark.

Stride Length:

Their long legs and flexible spine allow for a remarkable stride length, covering considerable ground with each step.

Balance and Precision:

Cheetahs maintain impeccable balance and precision while running at high speeds, thanks to their agile bodies and keen senses.

Chasing Tactics:

Cheetahs employ a unique hunting strategy, known as “stalk and sprint.” They stalk their prey stealthily, getting as close as possible before launching a lightning-fast sprint to catch it off guard.

Endurance:

Cheetahs are built for speed, not endurance. Their high-speed chases are brief and energy-draining, and they can only maintain their top speed for around 20 to 30 seconds.

Risk of Injuries:

The high speeds at which cheetahs run can put tremendous stress on their bodies, increasing the risk of injuries, particularly to their legs.

Pregnancy and Reproduction

Cheetahs generally reach sexual maturity between 20 and 24 months of age. The gestation period of a female cheetah is about 90 to 95 days. A female cheetah usually gives birth to 2 to 5 cubs. The cubs are completely dependent on their mother for nutrition and protection. The mother (female cheetah) raises her cubs alone and teaches them essential hunting skills before they become independent.

Some Facts of Cheetah

An adult cheetah can go without food for five to six days.

There was a research done at Harvard in 1973. According to this, usually the body temperature of a cheetah is 38 degrees Celsius, but as soon as it gains speed, its body temperature increases to 40.5 degrees Celsius. The Cheetah brain cannot withstand this heat. Then he suddenly stops running.

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The eyes of a Cheetah are in a straight direction. Because of this he can easily see many miles away. This lets the cheetah know at what distance its prey is.

The Tail of a Cheetah is up to 31 inches i.e. 80 centimeters Long.

Cheetah