The Cheetah – Nature’s Spotted Wonder

Kingdom : Animal
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivore
Family : Felidae
Subfamily : Acinonychinae
Genus : Acinonyx
species : Jubatus

Name & Identity

The word “cheetah” comes from the Hindi word “Chita”, meaning “spotted one.” Known for grace and speed, cheetahs are celebrated throughout history as one of the most elegant cats.

Speed & Uniqueness

The fastest land animal, reaching 70 mph (112 km/h) in short bursts.
Built for speed: slim frame, long legs, deep chest, flexible spine, and a balancing tail.
Unlike lions or leopards, cheetahs cannot roar—they “chirp,” “purr,” and “chuff.”

History & Captivity

Humans have kept cheetahs in captivity for over 5,000 years.
Ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Assyrians trained cheetahs for hunting.
Famous rulers like Genghis Khan and Akbar the Great of India kept them as royal companions. Akbar reportedly kept 6,000 cheetahs, though breeding success in captivity remained very low.

Subspecies & Variants

Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx venaticus) – now critically endangered, with fewer than 50 individuals surviving in Iran.
King cheetah – once thought to be a separate species but actually a rare genetic mutation, found only in parts of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Its striking coat shows bold blotches instead of spots.

Appearance

Golden to tawny coat with solid black spots.
Black “tear marks” run from the eyes to the mouth—reducing glare and aiding hunting.
Cubs are born with a silvery-gray mane (“mantle”), a camouflage adaptation against predators.

Size & Lifespan

Adults weigh 83–145 lbs (38–65 kg) and stand about 32 inches (80 cm) tall.
Body length: 70–86 inches (180–220 cm) including the tail.
Cubs weigh just 150–300 grams (5–10 oz) at birth.
In the wild, cheetahs live 10–12 years; in captivity, up to 17 years.

Habitat & Range

Prefer open grasslands, savannas, and semi-deserts.
Namibia has the world’s largest wild cheetah population (~2,500).
Once widespread across Africa, Asia, and even North America, cheetahs are now found mainly in scattered parts of southern and eastern Africa and a tiny pocket in Iran.

Reproduction & Cubs

Gestation lasts 90–95 days.
Litters: 3–5 cubs on average (sometimes up to 8).
Sadly, cub mortality is extremely high—up to 90% of cubs die within the first 3 months, mainly due to predation and weak immune systems from low genetic diversity.
Mothers raise cubs alone, often leaving them for up to 48 hours to hunt.

Social System

Females: solitary except when raising cubs.
Males: often form coalitions (2–3 males, usually brothers) to defend territory.
Coalitions increase hunting success and survival.

Communication

Highly vocal: chirps, bleats, growls, hisses, and purrs.
Use scent-marking (urine, cheek-rubbing) to communicate territory and identity.

Hunting

Rely on sight, not scent, to hunt.
Can accelerate from 0–60 mph in 3 seconds.
Short chases (~20 seconds, max 300 yards).
Long tail acts as a rudder for balance and sharp turns.
Specialized eyes with a wide field of vision, aided by “tear marks.”

Conservation Challenges

Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict (farmers killing cheetahs).
Low genetic diversity makes them vulnerable to disease.
Poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Competition with stronger predators (lions, leopards, hyenas) that kill cubs.

Why They Matter

Cheetahs are more than the fastest animals—they are an ancient species, over 3 million years old, and an irreplaceable part of Africa’s wild heritage. Their survival depends on sustainable conservation, habitat protection, and responsible rewilding programs.

​Name & Identity