The Cheetah (acinonyx Jubatus)

The Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus)

When people think about endangered species, the most common species that comes into their mind is the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), or our national bird. Shedding some light on this common mistake will inform many that as of June 28, 2007 the Bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list. It is important to be knowledgeable of endangered species and what factors make these species endangered. Taking a glance at the cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus), most people would never know that the cheetah is listed on the endangered species list. This mammal is commonly mistaken for another larger breed of feline. In this paper we will discuss briefly the cheetah, its natural habitats, and why the cheetah is considered an endangered species. This will also provide an understanding on how this mammal can be protected and what actions are currently in place to aid in the repopulation of the cheetah.

The explanation behind the name cheetah comes from the Hindi word "chita" meaning spotted one. This decently size mammal which measures at approximately two and a half to three feet at the shoulder. The cheetah also is part of the feline or cat family and has short bursts of fast speeds exceeding up to 70 mph in approximately three seconds and obtain exhaustion after reaching their top speed. These cats are the fastest land animal in the world which adds to why they should be preserved. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years and they mate throughout the year. It is thought that a decline in their numbers can also be contributed to their inbreeding, when this occurs the young cubs may not live a full life or may even die at birth leaving the mother back open and available for breeding again. The cheetah male does not stick around to raise their young but the mother usually does because the cubs solely rely on her up to their first year of life for survival. After that they will eat directly from the kill brought home to feed from. Their liter size consists of approximately two to four cubs. Weight ranges in cheetahs is between 110 lbs and 140 lbs. Since the 1900's their population numbers range up to 100,000 whereas today's numbers range in between 9,000 to 12,000. The cheetah can be found in Africa which is their mainland, but can also be found in Asia, South Africa, and India. Southern Africa is the cheetah's regional stronghold, with a "roughly" estimated population of at least 4,500 adults (IUCN 2010).

Since, these beautiful animals contribute to their ecological community they are considered an endangered species, but in order for them to survive they need an abundance of prey in their habitat to survive and reproduce. The cheetah's biggest threat is human encroachment but also the decline in prey and conflicts with humans. The competition is high between cheetahs, lions, and hyenas. More than likely lions more so than most because they hunt in larger packs.

The Cheetah's diet consists of gazelles, wildebeest calves, impalas, and smaller hoofed animals. In order for them to hunt they rely on the camouflage of the tall grasses the savannah provides for them to move and steer their body in a split moment while running is provided by the tail. They not only move fast but they kill and devour their prey just as fast to prevent other larger or more aggressive carnivores from stealing or taking away their hunt, they also hunt during the day unlike some of the other larger felines. Even though these animals are beautiful it is not the only reason they should be allowed to live and not go extinct. Imagine if they went extinct, their prey may start to over populate the area. This can provide an ecological disaster if not put into control quickly. Another threat these cats face are that they are hunted or just killed for fun. Many are poachers that want to mount their heads or use their fur. It can be hard to manage these mammals since they do not do well in captivity, but on a more informative basis since they are on the endangered species list by the United States it is illegal to import their skins or any other part of them as a trophy into the United States.

It is said that the cheetah actually evolved from the cougar, but this animal is commonly mistaken for a leopard when people see its spots. The actual defining differences are that the cheetah does have distinguishing features, such as the aforementioned long "tear-streak" lines that run from the corners of its eyes to its mouth, and spots that are not "rosettes" (Wikipedia, 2011). The thinner body frame of the cheetah is also very different from that of the leopard (Wikipedia, 2011). Cheetahs can also purr, but they cannot roar, which a defining feature that many recognize in large carnivore felines. The cheetah is