Mother Cheetah And Cub (Acinonyx jubatus)

            Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
East Africa

Happy Caturday!

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat of the subfamily Felinae that occurs in Southern, North and East Africa, and a few localities in Iran. The species is IUCN Red Listed as vulnerable, as it suffered a substantial decline in its historic range in the 20th century due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal pet trade, and conflict with humans. By 2016, the global cheetah population has been estimated at approximately 7,100 individuals in the wild. Several African countries have taken steps to improve cheetah conservation measures. It is the fastest land animal.  

Cheetahs are active mainly during the day, with hunting their major activity. Adult males are sociable despite their territoriality, forming groups called coalitions. Females are not territorial; they may be solitary or live with their offspring in home ranges. 

Carnivores, cheetah mainly prey upon antelopes and gazelles. They will stalk their prey to within 100–300 m (330–980 ft), charge towards it and kill it by tripping it during the chase and biting its throat to suffocate it to death. 

Cheetahs can reach speeds of 112 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts, but this is disputed by more recent measurements. The average speed of cheetahs is about 64 km/h (40 mph). 

Cheetahs are induced ovulators, breeding throughout the year. Gestation is nearly three months long, resulting in a litter of typically three to five cubs (the number can vary from one to eight). Weaning occurs at six months; siblings tend to stay together for some time. Cheetah cubs face higher mortality than most other mammals, especially in the Serengeti region. 

Cheetahs inhabit a variety of habitats – dry forests, scrub forests and savannahs. -Wikipedia

Taken in: Kenya / Narok / Talel (show map)

Taken on: January 16, 2015

Tags:

Kenya 2015

Masai Mara National Reserve

Cheetahs

Mother and Offspring

Acinonyx jubatus

Fastest Land Animal

Carnivore

Predator Listed As Vulnerable

Habitat Loss

Poaching

Illegal Pet Trade

Conflict With Humans

7100 Left

Active During Day

Male Sociable

Female Non Territorial

Average Speed 64 Miles Per Hour

Can Reach 70 Miles Per Hour

Breed Throughout Year

High Morality Rates

Savannahs

Sue Roehl

coth5

Sunrays+5

NGC « less

Sets appears in: • Kenya, January 2015, Part 2

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