Cheetah

Names:
Cheetah, Hlosi (isiNdebele), Dindingwe or Ingwe (Shona)

Type:
Mammal

Order:
Carnivore

Diet:
Small to Medium antelope like duiker

Size:
Length 1.1 to 1.4 m,  Tail 65 to 80 cm, Shoulder length 80cm

Weight:
Has a mass of 40-60kgs

Protection Status:
Vulnerable

General Background:
The cheetah is the world’s fastest land mammal. A cheetah can go from 96 kilometers an hour in only three seconds. These big cats are quite nimble at high speed and can make quick and sudden turns in pursuit of prey.

A cheeteh is characterised by a strongly spotted coat and by a long tail which is half as long as the length of its head and body. The tail has a unique pattern of striped markings.

Places found in Zimbabwe:

In most national parks and game reserves