Cheetahs-the fastest land mammals in the world-are incredible creatures. They can reach speeds of up to 70 mph and swim (although they don’t like it). The cheetahs’ name derives from the Hindi word “chita,” which means “spotted.”
These large cats, while fearsome, do not have the ability to roar like a lion, but they can emit what is known as a chirrup, perhaps the sweetest sound you will ever hear a lethal cat make.
Cheetahs are an endangered species
These cats are not endangered-not yet. But they are vulnerable. In fact, their numbers in the wild are so low (they numbered about 7,100 in 2016) that people involved in species conservation are pushing for them to be declared endangered.
National Geographic reported that cheetah numbers “could drop another 53 percent in the next 15 years,” making now the time for action.
They like to stay busy
Cheetahs like to stay busy by being busy. They have the highest reproduction rates out of the entire big cat family. This may seem counterintuitive considering the species is highly vulnerable, but the Big Cat Rescue Organization says nearly 90 percent of cheetah cubs die within the first three months.
Cheetahs are fast
And that’s an understatement. We’ve mentioned that these guys can reach speeds of up to 70 mph, but did you know they can go from 0-60 mph in 3 seconds?
This fact becomes even more surreal when you see a cheetah running in slow motion.
Cheetahs are skilled hunters
Cheetahs have excellent vision, which they use to spot potential prey before they pounce. Once a cheetah loses sight of its next meal, they use their lightning speed-and the element of surprise thanks to their camouflaged fur-to kill.
Cheetahs often hide their food in tall, shady grass so that no other animal has a chance to steal it. According to NatGeo, cheetahs are also very hardy and only need a drink every three to four days.
They are surprisingly graceful
Cheetahs are very lithe-they move quickly and full-grown adults weigh between 77 and 143 pounds and reach between 3.5 and 4.5 feet in length (not including their tails).
Females enjoy the quiet life
Female cheetahs live alone for the most part, except when they give birth-then they live with their cubs in a small pack. The only other time female cheetahs interact with other adults is during mating.
Males are somewhat more social and sometimes form small groups of two or three to expand and defend more territory.