Monday, June 1, 2009

Cheetah | Acinonyx jubatus




Labels: Indian Cheetah, Big Cat

Binomial name: Acinonyx jubatus
Common name: Cheetah

Scientific classification

Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Chordata

Class:

Mammalia

Order:

Carnivora

Family:

Felidae

Subfamily:

Felinae

Genus:

Acinonyx

Species:

A. jubatus


Salient Features:

Length – 1.1 to 1.5 m

Height – 2.3 to 2.8 ft

Weight – 39 to 65 Kg

Gestation Period – 91 to 95 days

Longevity – 12 years, 17 in captivity


Description: Cheetahs are the fastest animal on land. They can reach up to 72 Km/hr in merely 2 seconds and have a top speed of 113 Km/hr. Their notably flexible spine and slim bodyline facilitates in running so swiftly. Cheetah’s enlarged nasal passages, heart and lungs make up for the essential increased air intake after sprinting. They feed on small to medium sized animals like hares, calves, gazelles, etc. A Cheetah needs almost half an hour to hold its breath after chasing a prey, to eat. However, if they do not succeed in grasping their target, they must quit, otherwise it can be fatal for them as their body temperature rises to almost 40.6°C (105°F). Females usually bear 3 to 5 cubs in a litter. The cubs stay with their mother till they are 12 to 20 months old.


Status: Cheetah is extinct in India, the last having been shot in 1951. Their IUCN status shows them as endangered.

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