Where are Cheetah found in the wild?

Cheetahs roam the grasslands, savannas, and open forests of Africa, where they can spot their prey from great distances. These thrilling habitats, like the Serengeti, provide plenty of space to chase down small antelopes, hares, and birds while blending in with the tall grasses.

Cheetah

Experience the thrill of the planet's fastest land sprinter!

The Basics

Scientific Name

Acinonyx jubatus

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Location

Africa

Average size

3.6 to 4.9 feet long

diet

Small antelopes, hares, birds

lifespan

10 to 12 years in the wild

Let’s Explore

Overview

The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 113 kilometers per hour (70 miles per hour) in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters (1,640 feet). These incredible cats are built for speed, with long legs, a lightweight body, and a flexible spine that allows for an impressive stride.
Cheetahs have unique black tear stripes under their eyes that help reduce glare from the sun, allowing them to see their prey better. Their keen eyesight helps them spot small antelopes, hares, and birds from up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) away!
With an average length of 1.1 to 1.5 meters (3.6 to 4.9 feet), cheetahs have a slender build and a short coat covered in black spots. These spots serve as camouflage, helping them blend into their grassland habitats while they stalk their prey.
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar. Instead, they make a variety of sounds like purring, hissing, and high-pitched chirps to communicate with each other. This makes them one of the more vocal friends in the feline family!
Cheetahs usually live for 10 to 12 years in the wild. They are social animals, often living in small groups called coalitions, which are usually made up of male siblings. This teamwork helps them defend their territory and have more success when hunting.
These sleek hunters have an amazing ability to accelerate quickly, almost like a sports car! Cheetahs can go from 0 to 96 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour) in just three seconds, which is faster than most cars can do!
While cheetahs are champions of speed, they need to rest after sprinting. Their incredible burst of energy makes them tired, which is why they typically take a break and bask in the sun after a successful hunt.

Where can you find a Cheetah in the wild?

What does a Cheetah eat?

How big can a Cheetah grow?

How long does a Cheetah typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Cheetah?

What are the main threats to the Cheetah?

wowzerful facts

Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 to 96 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour) in just three seconds. That is quicker than a house cat can say, "I'm hungry!"

These speedy cats have special black tear stripes running from their eyes down to their mouths. These stripes help reduce glare from the sun, making it easier for them to spot their favorite snacks on the African savanna.

Cheetahs cannot roar like lions, but they have a whole range of fun sounds! They chirp, purr, and even hiss to communicate, making them the chatty ones in the cat family.

Cheetahs love to take naps after sprinting. Their incredible bursts of speed take a lot of energy, so a cozy spot in the sun is the perfect place to re-charge!

A group of cheetahs that live together is known as a coalition. Typically, these coalitions are made up of brothers who team up for hunting and protecting their territory.

While cheetahs are super-fast runners, they can only maintain their top speed for about 20 to 30 seconds. It's like a race where they have to sprint really fast but then need a break!

Cheetahs have a unique adaptation in their bodies – they have large nasal passages that allow for quick breathing. This makes sure they get enough oxygen during their speedy chases, just like a race car needs high-octane fuel!

Cheetahs use their tails as rudders while running at high speeds. This helps them steer during their fast chases, similar to how a driver steers a car!

Unlike most big cats, cheetahs can easily climb trees. This ability offers them a great view of their surroundings, helping them spot potential prey or danger!

Some cheetahs have a special mark on their coat called a 'ghost stripe.' This faint pattern helps them blend in with the tall grasses, helping them sneak up on unsuspecting antelopes.