In the bush of South Africa, the cheetah is a marvel of Nature.
Known as the fastest animal on land, the cheetah can accelerate to an astonishing 70 mph (112 km/h) (for comparison, a race horse can run at 44 mph or 70 km/h).
However, such sprints are short-lived.
They only last 20 to 30 seconds before exhaustion sets in. But speed is only one part of the story of these incredible creatures.
A Masterpiece of Evolution
Every aspect of a cheetah’s body is designed for speed and agility.
Thanks to long legs, an aerodynamic shape and a flexible spine that acts like a spring, cheetahs achieve incredible strides during a chase: 23 feet (7 meters) at a time!
Their semi-retractable claws function like an athlete’s cleats, providing the grip needed to make sharp turns and sudden accelerations.
Their long tails serve as a counterbalance, helping them navigate with precision.
Cheetahs’ distinctive tear marks, the black streaks running from their eyes down to their mouths, are another fascinating adaptation.
These marks reduce sunlight glare, much like an athlete’s eye black, allowing them to focus intently on their prey during high-speed hunts.
Daytime Hunters and Agile Predators
Unlike most big cats that hunt under the cover of darkness, cheetahs are day hunters.
They rely on their exceptional eyesight to spot prey.
Their preferred targets are small to medium-sized, such as impala and springbok antelopes.
Unlike stealth-dependent predators, cheetahs rely on speed, launching explosive chases to bring down their prey.
However, the effort takes a toll, and they often need extended periods of rest after a hunt.
Despite their speed and hunting prowess, cheetahs are not built for confrontation.
Once exhausted after a chase, they are vulnerable to stronger predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas, which can steal their hard-earned kills.
This lack of power underscores the fragility of their existence in the wild.
Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and declining prey populations have led to their classification as a vulnerable species.
Farmers kill cheetahs to protect their herds of sheep and goats – easy prey for big cats.
In South Africa, habitat fragmentation and illegal wildlife trafficking further compound their challenges.
Unlike with traditional poaching, cheetah cubs are often captured for the illegal exotic “pet” trade.
Adding to their plight is their low genetic diversity, which reduces their resilience to diseases and environmental changes.
In the wild, the odds are stacked against them.
Up to 90% of cheetah cubs do not survive to adulthood.
Conservation Efforts: An Incredible Experience
During the veterinary conference we attended in Cape Town, South Africa, we had the opportunity to visit the Cheetah Outreach, a unique conservation initiative.
Founded in 1997, this program educates the public about the plight of cheetahs and raises funds for conservation efforts.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe and actually pet cheetahs in a safe environment, guided by experts who share insights into their behavior, diet, and the threats they face.
This hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of these majestic animals, inspiring visitors to support their preservation (which I now do).
But Wait, There’s More! Livestock Guardian Dogs
One of Cheetah Outreach’s initiatives is its Livestock Guarding Dog Program.
By deploying Anatolian Shepherds – large, protective dogs originally from Turkey – this program addresses a key source of human-wildlife conflict.
These dogs are trained to bond with livestock, such as sheep or goats, and act as a natural deterrent to predators like cheetahs.
When a predator approaches, the dogs bark loudly and position themselves as a barrier.
This non-lethal approach effectively protects livestock, while preventing farmers to kill cheetahs.
The program has achieved remarkable success, significantly decreasing the number of cheetahs killed on farmlands and promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
It serves as a model for sustainable conservation, benefiting both the cheetah population and local farming communities.
A Future Worth Fighting For
Cheetahs, with their grace, speed, and vulnerability, symbolize the delicate balance of life in the wild.
Their survival depends not only on their remarkable adaptations, but also on human efforts to protect their habitats and address conflicts.
Through innovative programs like the Cheetah Outreach & the Guarding Dog Program, there is hope that these amazing animals will continue to thrive into the future.
We can’t help your cheetah, but if you would like to learn how we can help your cat or your dog with safe surgery and anesthesia, please contact us through www.HRVSS.com
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Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified