As the world’s fastest mammal, cheetahs weigh much less than other big cats.
Cheetahs can reach a top speed of up to 75 mph. That’s more than two and half times as fast as Usain Bolt, who is considered the world’s fastest human!
Although being lightning fast, a cheetah can only run at top speed for around 400 meters before it becomes completely exhausted.
This distance may be less depending on terrain, how hot the temperatures are, and their energy level.
How Much Does A Cheetah Weigh?
While their weight varies, they average around 46-160 pounds (21-72 kg).
That’s much lower than the Siberian tigers’ average weight of 650 pounds (295 kg).
With the ability to see up to 3 miles away, explosive speed, and all of the physical tools required to kill a wide range of animals, these members of the cat family stalk their prey and then ambush them.
Cheetahs have no known predators other than humans.
Are Cheetahs Endangered?
Despite being expert hunters, the Cheetah population has been in decline for many years, as its natural habitat gets smaller and smaller.
In 1900, approximately 100,000 of these amazing animals roamed the plains of Africa and Iran.
Sadly, you’ll only find 10,000 of these animals around today in the wild.
Although conservationists have listed the cheetah population as “vulnerable”, the numbers are low enough today that they may soon be listed as an endangered species.
A cheetah’s lifespan is 10-12 years, on average.
How Much Do Baby Cheetahs Weigh?
Cheetah’s usually have 3 to 5 cubs, and each cub weighs between 5-10 ounces (150-300 g) at birth.
Their smaller size means they are very vulnerable to attack from predators, such as lions and hyenas, and must learn to survive quickly with the help of their mother.
What Do Cheetahs Eat?
Gazelles, impalas, antelopes, birds, small mammals, and calves of larger animals, such as wildebeest calves, are all on the menu of these carnivores.
How much do they eat?
A Cheetah will eat up to 6 pounds of meat every day, on average.
Even when they feast, they do it quickly, because as soon as they catch their prey, there are plenty of other larger, stronger predators around just waiting to steal their hard-earned meal.
Different Types Of Cheetahs
- Southern African Cheetah
- East African Cheetah
- Asiatic Cheetah
- Northeast African Cheetah
- Northwest African Cheetah
King Cheetah
The beautiful looking King Cheetah is not a sub-species of its own. It is actually a member of the African cheetah family.
King Cheetahs are easy to recognize due to their large, blotchy spots and three dark, wide stripes that run from their neck all the way down to their tail. They are extremely rare.
~ Fun Fact ~
Cheetahs are not just fast, they’re really fast and they are able to get into their full stride in a blink of an eye. These feline speed merchants can go from 0 to 60 mph in only 3 seconds. That’s as fast as a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 sports car!
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