Dubbo Western Plains Zoo

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

Cheetahs are now classed as vulnerable but shrinking habitat is forcing them into further conflict with humans. Originally found throughout Africa, and in parts of India, Pakistan, Iran and even Russia the Cheetah is now found in the wild only in a few areas of central, southern and eastern Africa.

In their natural habitat, Cheetahs are sometimes killed to prevent them from eating the documestic goats and sheep that often graze in Cheetah territory.

Cheetahs generally live in open grasslands where they can easily outrun their prey - usually gazelles, impalas, birds or young antelope.

Cheetahs are the world's fastest land animal and capable of running at over 110 kilometres per hour, but only over short distances. At full speed, the Cheetah can travel around 7 metres in a single stride.

Cheetah with mouth open showing sharp teeth and tongue

Cheetahs purr to each other in greeting but also communicate by chirps and yelps. Some yelps can be heard up to 2km away.

Cheetahs don't have a roar like lions and tigers. They are also might lighter in weight and not very strong compared to the other big cats. Cheetahs weight only about 45 kilograms.

Because of their small size and weight, Cheetah cubs are often attacked by lions, that are considerably bigger, heavier and stronger.

Photographs by Justin Sullivan. Some text courtesy of Dubbo Western Plains Zoo

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