Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus jubatus
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Range and habitat:
Cheetahs live in grass
savannas, bush savannas and thin open woodlands in the African
countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Natural diet:
Cheetahs eat the young of large antelopes and
small adult antelopes such as gazelles. They are also known to eat ostriches,
warthog piglets, guinea fowl, bustards, hare and other prey weighing up
to 88 pounds.
Size / weight range:
Male cheetahs have a head and body length between 40 and 57 inches, with tails between 25.5 and 34 inches long.
Female cheetahs have a head and body length between 44 and 50 inches, with tails between 24 and 34 inches long.
Male cheetahs can weigh between 110 and 158 pounds. Females can weigh between 77 and 138 pounds
Newborns are almost 1 foot long from nose to tail and weigh between 8.8 and 10.5 ounces.
Interesting facts:
The cheetahs at The Toledo Zoo are part of the
Species Survival Plan, which helps ensure a healthy and genetically diverse
population in zoo across the country.
Cheetahs have been listed as among the most endangered species (CITES
Status Appendix 1) since July 1, 1975.
Male cubs stay together when they leave their mother and form coalitions
that hunt and hold territory together.
Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animals (sprinters), and they are
sight hunters. They require unobstructed
views of their quarry.
Location at The Toledo Zoo:
Cheetah Valley between the Carnivore
Cafe and the Museum of Science.
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