Cheetah facts to have a better understanding of this unique animal

Lots of people know how a cheetah looks like but very few know about cheetah facts while it's such an interesting animal to learn about...

The name cheetah comes from the term 'Chitraka' in the ancient Indian language Sanksrit, which means ' spotted one '.

CHEETAH FACTS:

Type: Mammal
Diet: Carnivore (small antelopes)
Average life cycle: up to 12 years in the wild, few survive more than 8 years and up to 20 years in captivity.
Size: Adult body length 112-135cm; tail length 65-90cm; shoulder height 70-90cm
Weight: 77 to 143 lbs (35 to 65 kg), male avg. 45-55kg, female avg. 35-40kg.
Gestation: 90 to 95 days
Predators: eagles, humans, hyenas, lions
Protection status: Critically Endangered in North Africa, Vulnerable in Sub- Sahara

MORE CHEETAH FACTS:

Cheetah face: The cheetah has a small head with high-set eyes. Black "tear marks", which run from the corner of its eyes down the sides of the nose to its mouth, keep the sun out of its eyes and make it one of the most deadly hunters in the animal kingdom. Also, the tear marks are there to make them look more vicious when they snarl.

Cheetah coat: Cheetah coat is very specific. It’s coarse, short and has up to 2000 black spots which help him camouflage itself while hunting preys.

Cheetahs struggle to find lands to live. Find out about cheetah habitat.

We often hear that cheetah is the fastest animals. Info or intox? Find out about their speed.

Baby cheetah are so cute and tiny when they born! How do they manage to survive into the wild? Get some information on baby cheetah.

If you are interested in knowing what is cheetah's diet, click here

Cheetahs are like cats; they have a much better sight during the day and thus are daylight hunters. Cheetahs will catch their preys within 1 minute or leave it if it takes too long as it cannot runat full speed for long distances.

They are one of the most elegant and graceful animal. Cheetahs do not roar like lions, but they purr just like a domestic cat when content. They also chirp like a bird, hiss, whine, growl in anger or fright and moan in distress. Unpredictable behavior makes the cheetah, a poor pet. Wild instincts remain intact even with tamed and captive-raised animals.

And remember...

Cheetahs are not a thread to humans but humans are a thread to cheetahs...

From cheetah facts to Voila Cape Town