Cheetah: The Speedster of the Savanna
The cheetah, the fastest land animal, is an evolutionary marvel. Built for speed, it can reach up to 120 km/h in short bursts, enabling it to outrun most prey. However, this speed comes at a cost: cheetahs must rest for extended periods after a chase to recover.
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs rely on sight rather than smell to hunt. They target medium-sized herbivores like gazelles and springboks, using stealth and bursts of speed to secure their meals. Their slim, lightweight frames and non-retractable claws provide maximum traction during sprints.
Cheetahs face significant threats, including habitat fragmentation and competition with larger predators like lions and hyenas. Conservation programs focus on protecting open grasslands and reducing human-wildlife conflict to ensure the survival of this iconic species.