Southern cheetah

"I easily go 80 kilometers per hour, but often even faster. This is not for fun. After all, I eat meat and that means catching prey animals!"

Discover in real life
CheetaGeen wetenschappelijke naam

  • Scientific name

    Acinonyx jubatus jubatus

  • Food

    gazelles, impalas, hares, wildebeest calves and birds

  • Lifetime

    12 years on average

  • Weight

    72 pounds

  • Number of youngsters

    2 to 3 youngsters

  • Wear time

    approximately 3 months

  • IUCN Status

    fragile

  • EEP?

    yes

  • 80

    kilometers per hour, that's how fast I can run!

  • 72

    kilo, that's how heavy I can get

  • 3

    months I am pregnant

    • Predator

    After a 30 count sprint, I am exhausted and get super hot. That's because I run so fast. I easily go 80 kilometers per hour, but often even faster. This is not for fun. You see, I eat meat and that means catching prey animals!

    Cool

    Often Thomson's gazelles are my prey. I sneak up on them and keep low to the ground. When I have about 70 steps to go, I jump up and set up the sprint. But usually the gazelle escapes and I have to try again when I have cooled down again.

    Habitat

    Cheetahs are usually alone, or in a small group with young siblings. In some countries, I try to capture dairy goats or other livestock from people. A charity gives these people guard dogs to go with their livestock, and care is taken to keep enough wild prey animals. That way I leave the livestock alone.

    Want to know more about IUCN status or the EEP? Click here.