Scientific classification of Cheetah

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Some experts state that all cheetah alive today are as closely related as identical twins. But subspecies in identical twins  seem to be a contradiction.  So are there true difference in cheetah subspecies?  Variations in fur length, spot diameter and body size make up the bulk of the described variations.  CARO describes A.j. velox as having "longer hair than jubatus, especially on nape and belly..." and A.j. hecki with a "small body size, dainty, pale", etc.  DIVYABHANUSINH describes those living in the Sahara Desert as lighter in color; those living in wooded areas as darker; those living in cold climates having longer fur. Perhaps a cheetah's outward appearance depends on its environment.

Source:cheetahspot.com

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Videos of cheetah

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Pictures of cheetahs

Cheetahs

Cheetah Family 1, Maasai Mara, Kenya	Cheetah Family 2, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Cheetah and Cub 1, Maasai Mara, Kenya	Cheetah and Cub 2, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Cheetah and Cubs, Maasai Mara, Kenya	Cheetah Portrait 1, Maasai Mara, Kenya

 

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Reproduction of cheetahs

Cheetah Reproduction

 

The fact that the Cheetah reproduces at a very slow rate is a huge concern. Studies show that the males often suffer from a low production of sperm. This means even when they do mate there isn’t always a high chance of young being created. In captivity the rate or reproduction is also very low. There are breeding programs but they don’t seem to be helping as much as we had hoped.
Another factor that experts worry about is that the Cheetah has a genetic make up that is very similar. There isn’t much variety at all when it comes to the genes that they can pass along to their offspring. When you factor in that there are less and less of them remaining in the wild they are becoming closer and closer related to each other. As a result of this serious defects and other issues are becoming more common among the population that remains.
The male Cheetah is ready to mate when they are about 1 year old. The females are 2 years of age when they are ready to do so. It is possible for them to take part in the mating process any time of the year. Those periods though where there is more food for them is when most of the mating does occur though.

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Species

cheetah species

 

Almost like clones in their similarity to one another, the cheetah species’ homogeneity makes them especially vulnerable to disease.

• the cheetah species’ homogeneity makes them especially vulnerable to disease
• the cheetah species is especially vulnerable to disease because of its homogeneity
• the homogeneity of the cheetah species makes it especially vulnerable to disease
• homogeneity makes members of the cheetah species especially vulnerable to disease
• members of the cheetah species are especially vulnerable to disease because of their homogeneity

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Diet

Cheetah diet

Cheetah diet includes small to medium antelopes such as Thompson’s gazelles and Impalas, young of larger antelopes, young warthogs, rabbits and game bird.
Their preys will usually be under fifty kilograms.
Cheetahs eat about 6 lbs (2.7kgs) of meat per day.
Cheetahs need to drink once every 3 to 4 days only.
The cheetah hunts during the daylight as they hunt by vision rather by scent.
He gets as close to the prey as possible, usually not further than 20 meters, because they unable to run fast on a long distance. When the prey is close enough, he will go for it by knocking it to the ground with its paw and bite it at the neck.

Source:voilacapetown.com

 

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Behavior/characteristics

Characteristics of the Cheetah

 

Cheetahs are well known for their speed, which can reach up to 70 miles per hour. But there is more to these creatures than quickness. Cheetahs, which are found primarily in the open plains, woodlands and semi-desert areas of southern and eastern Africa, have other fascinating habits and characteristics which make them unusual. 

Source:ehow.com

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