Cheetah
Title | Info |
---|---|
Common name | Cheetah |
Scientific name | Acinonyx jubatus |
Taxonomic group | Felidae |
Source | Dan L. Perlman |
Ecosystems | Grasslands, savannas |
Grasslands and savannas | Tropical grassland |
Ecological interactions | Predation |
Selection and adaptations | Selection |
Selection | Morphology |
Organisms | Animals |
Animals | Mammals |
Date | August 09, 2003 |
Location | Serengeti National Park,Tanzania,Africa |
Cheetah on Serengeti, Tanzania. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on the planet: they can run about 70 mph (110 kph) at top speed. However, they can only maintain this pace for a few hundred yards. After about 300 yards (300 m), they overheat, run out of oxygen, and have to stop to cool down for up to half an hour. Impala and gazelles are their typical prey, and cheetahs appear to be successful in about 40% of their hunts. They usually stalk to within about 50 yards (50 m) of their prey before sprinting.