The average speed of cheetahs is about 64 km/h (40 mph). Cheetahs can reach speeds of 112 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts, but this is disputed by more recent measurements. They will stalk their prey to within 100–300 m (330–980 ft), charge towards it and kill it by tripping it during the chase and biting its throat to suffocate it to death. Carnivores, cheetah mainly prey upon antelopes and gazelles. Females are not territorial they may be solitary or live with their offspring in home ranges. Adult males are sociable despite their territoriality, forming groups called coalitions. Typically yellowish tan or rufous to greyish white, the coat is uniformly covered with nearly 2,000 solid black spots.Ĭheetahs are active mainly during the day, with hunting their major activity. Though taller than the leopard, it is notably smaller than the lion. The cheetah reaches 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in) at the shoulder, and weighs 21–72 kg (46–159 lb). Its lightly built, slender form is in sharp contrast with the robust build of the big cats, making it more similar to the cougar. The cheetah is characterised by a slender body, deep chest, spotted coat, small rounded head, black tear-like streaks on the face, long thin legs and long spotted tail. The only extant member of the genus Acinonyx, the cheetah was formally described by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1775. Several African countries have taken steps to improve cheetah conservation measures. By 2016, the global cheetah population has been estimated at approximately 7,100 individuals in the wild. The species is IUCN Red Listed as vulnerable, as it suffered a substantial decline in its historic range in the 20th century due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal pet trade, and conflict with humans. The cheetah (/ˈtʃiːtə/ Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat of the subfamily Felinae that occurs in Southern, North and East Africa, and a few localities in Iran.
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