South Africa’s rarest: the cheetah

Posted on 29 April 2020 By Anita Froneman

The cheetah is the world’s fastest land mammal. It can reach up to 96km/h in only three seconds, and a speed of up to 121km/h! These daylight hunters feed on various buck and other small game like hares.

 

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NO SOCIAL DISTANCING (one cub tries to create one). From the archives – Malaika with her cubs – Masai Mara – Kenya – 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . #maasaimara #natgeo #natgeotravel #natgeotravelpic #wildlife #bbcwildlife #discoverychannel #animalplanet #lonelyplanet #theearthoutdoors #outlooktraveller #beautiful #canon #mylpguide #lpfanphoto #discoverer #bbctravel #bbcearth #bbctravel #wildlifeonearth #world_wildlife @woodlandexploremore @naturein_focus @lonelyplanettraveller @natgeo @natgeotravel @natgeochannel @natgeoadventure #indianwildlifeofficial #indianwildlifes #cheetah #cheetahs #wildcats #kenya

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Cheetahs usually have litters of three cubs and nurture them for up to two years, teaching them hunting techniques. Male cheetahs live alone or in small groups, often with their mates. Their life span in the wild is 10–12 years.

 

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Heartbreaker alert! What a wonderful image of this lovely cheetah cub by Anouk @photosofafricanwildlife! You have to love how the young cheetahs stay so fluffy for so long…! ☺️ . ‘’ ? …! Many are facing uncertain futures during these unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. If you are in lockdown or self-isolation, downloading the KrugerExplorer App can immerse you in the natural wonder of Kruger from the comfort of home and be a superb educational tool for children unable to attend school. If you love our posts and content then you’ll love the KrugerExplorer App, and we’d be so incredibly grateful for the support of our followers during this time. Our thanks and well-wishes to all, Danny & Charlotte x . … ~ The #1 travel app in South Africa ~ Downloads in over 50 countries ~ Over 170 5-star reviews ~ Featured by Apple as “App of the Day” The KrugerExplorer App is an essential companion for seasoned Kruger visitors, first-timers, or those just wanting to explore this extraordinary corner of Africa from the comfort of home. It includes 375+ detailed animal profiles, hundreds of stunning photos, 70+ immersive journeys through Kruger, and the most accurate Kruger maps available today. Escape to Kruger or educate children using the KrugerExplorer App during these challenging times. . Or you can just follow the link in our profile above to see the App in action…! ☝☺️ . @krugerexplorer #krugerexplorer #krugernationalpark #kruger #krugerpark #africansafari #africanwildlife #thisissouthafrica #wildlifelovers #fantasticbeasts #amazinganimals #big5 #bigfive #greaterkruger #knp #rsa_nature #lockdown2020 #animalbabies #babyanimals #toocute #adorableanimals #cubs #catloversclub #rsa_naturepics #cheetah #cheetahs #cheetahcubs

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Found naturally only in eastern and southern Africa, the African cheetah is listed on the IUCN as ‘vulnerable.’ There are also Asiatic cheetahs that live in remote parts of Iran.

Interestingly, cheetahs don’t roar like other big cats, but rather bark when communicating, or growl when facing a threat.

The distinct black ‘tear marks’ cheetahs have running down their faces actually protect their eyes from the glare of the sun while hunting.

 

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The Chase !!! Amazing image of two Cheetah chasing down their prey on the grasslands of the Masai Mara, Kenya. . . Photo by @thejunglechic . . Caption by @bigcatswildlife . . Cheetahs hunt predominantly during the day as they have fantastic vision being able to spot prey from 5 kms away. But when it’s clear skies and a full moon Cheetahs will take advantage of the visability and hunt. Conservation status vulnerable. . . #cheetah #cheetahs #masaimara #kenya #feline #cats_of_the_world #bigcatswildlife #africanwildlife #wildlifefreak #wildlife_captures #wildlifeprotection #mammal #naturephotography #wildlifetattoo #wildlifetour #wildlife_shots #africa #wildlifefriend #wildlifeperfection #wildlifesafari #wildlife_inspired #wildlifeart #wildlifephotography #wildandfree #capturedwildlife #discoverwildlife #onlyafrica #africageo #wildgeography #wildafrica

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These cats are sadly victims to the illegal wildlife trade, as they are still very much sought after as exotic pets, especially in the Middle East. As with any wild animal that is domesticated, changes to their diet, environment and suppression of natural instincts lead to them suffering and ultimately dying.

To learn more, get involved or help, visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CFF).

Sources: CFF and National Geographic

Image: Unsplash

 

 

 




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