Northeast African Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii
Pure speed
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals in the world, but they are short-distance sprinters rather than long-distance athletes. The cheetah is made for short, fast bursts of running: it has long legs, “free-floating” shoulder blades (i.e. not connected to a collar bone), and a flexible spine that enables it to take long strides.
Charakteristics
- Origin
Northeast Africa as far as Lake Chad
- Habitat
savannahs and scrubland
- Diet
Small antelopes, hares, rabbits, birds
- Status
vulnerable
- Size
121 to 145 cm
- Weight
approx. 45 to 55 kg
- Gestation period
90 to 95 days
- Achievable age
approx. 15 to 20 years
Threat Categories of IUCN
Agile turns
The cheetah’s long tail helps it keep its balance when changing direction mid-chase. Cheetahs can make even 90-degree turns with ease while sprinting.
