There are only about 10,000-15,000 cheetahs south of the
Sahara in Africa. Very few live in remote parts of Northern
Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The cheetah has a greyhoundlike build allowing it to run
very fast over short distances. Its long tail prevents the
cheetah from falling over when turning at high speed.Head and
body combined can be up to 4 feet 6 inches with a tail up to 2
feet 8 inches. They can weigh in at up to 158 pounds.
Tasty treats for the cheetah include gazelles, impalas,
small antelope, hare, jackals, young ostrich, and ground
dwelling birds. Zebras can be caught with the help of a friend.
They usually observe potential food from a tree branch, termite
mound or similar raised point.It stalks his lunch (daytime hunter)
until its about 75-110 yards away and then chases its prey at high
speed. They have been clocked up to 75 mph+. They can only
maintain this speed for a few hundred yards. A standing cheetah
can go from 0 to 45mph in two seconds!!! They often lose their
prey to hyenas or lions because after the tiring sprint, the
cheetah needs to rest up to 30 minutes before feeding. They
usually pick out the old or young because they are easier to catch.
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