ANSWERS: 1
  • Cheetahs are one of the most specialized of the big cats, supremely adapted for high-speed pursuit of prey in open environments. The fastest land mammal in the world, they are also highly threatened members of their food web.

    Physical Description

    Cheetahs are slight-bodied, with small heads, disproportionately long legs, lithe frames and long tails. Tawny yellow in hue, they are covered in a mosaic of small, solid black spots.

    Geographic Range

    Historically, cheetahs were found across most of Africa and much of southwestern Asia. Today, they mainly inhabit a much-reduced range in sub-Saharan Africa; the Asiatic subspecies clings to survival in Iran.

    Diet in Africa

    In Africa, cheetahs primarily hunt small- to medium-sized ungulates like Thompson's gazelle and impala, as well as daintier fare like hares. Groups of cheetahs may tackle larger prey like wildebeest and zebra foals. Prey is run down with the cats' legendary speed--in excess of 70 mph for short bursts.

    Diet in Iran

    According to the Iranian Cheetah Society, cheetahs in Iran usually target mountain sheep, wild goats and gazelle.

    Scavengers

    Easily bullied, African cheetahs are often driven from their kills by other carnivores like lions and hyenas. As with any predator, cheetahs help support a network of scavengers and decomposers that attend to their prey remains.

    Source:

    "The International Wildlife Encyclopedia;" Maurice Burton, Robert Burton; 2002

    Iranian Cheetah Society: About Cheetah

    More Information:

    Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Cheetah Facts

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy