The Cheetah is easily distinguished from other spotted cats by it's slim build, long legs and small head
The Cheetah is easily distinguished from other spotted cats by it's slim build, long legs and small head with characteristic black tear marks running from the eyes to the mouth. The name 'Cheetah' comes from a Hindi word meaning 'spotted one'. Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal on earth, able to reach speeds of 60mph. It uses its speed to catch fast moving prey. They are unusual because they like to hunt during the day rather than at night, like other cat species. It has several physical adaptations which help it to reach it's top speed, such as special paw pads and non-retractable claws, allowing greater grip or traction on the ground. It also has large nostrils and lungs which provide quick air intake. The Cheetah's body is long and narrow like a greyhound. This streamlining allows it to move quickly. It also has very light bones to reduce it's weight load. Running at high speed consumes a lot of energy and so cannot be maintained for more than a few hundred metres. Female Cheetah's are usually solitary. However, mothers will stay with their cubs until they are 20 months old. Males live in all male groups of 4 - 5 animals. These are often from the same litter. They work as a group to protect their territory. During the 1980's, Cheetahs were hunted in large numbers for their fur. The trade has declined due to legal protection but they are still threatened by habitat destruction. They are also at risk from farmers killing them to protect their livestock, despite the fact that Cheetahs rarely kill domestic animals. These animals are part of a European breeding programme (EEP).
Size: 5184px × 3456px
Location: Colchester, Essex, England
Photo credit: © Mark Redsell / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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