#cheetah

Amazing facts about the Cheetah

The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world, reaching speeds of up to 113km/h. They can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3 seconds. Amazing Facts About the Cheetah Built for speed, cheetahs are slender, with long thin legs and a long tail. They have coarse, short fur that is yellowish tan in colour and covered in solid black spots. Black tear-shaped streaks on the face help to reflect the sun when hunting. Adults weigh around 46–158 lb (21–72 kg). How many spots do cheetahs have? Cheetahs have between 2,000 and 3,000 spots, which help them to camouflage themselves. Where do cheetahs live? Previously, cheetahs were wide-spread across African and Asian continents, but now they are confined mostly to dry open grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa, with the majority inhabiting natural reserves or parks. What do cheetahs eat? Cheetahs are carnivores, so rely on meat for survival. Their diet is made up primarily of smaller antelopes including springbok, steenbok, Thomson’s gazelle, impalas, and duiker. Cheetahs will also feed on wildebeest calves and, occasionally, smaller animals including rabbits, hares and birds. How often do cheetahs drink? Cheetahs have evolved to live in an environment where water is scarce, and can survive on one drink every three to four days. Are cheetahs solitary? Female cheetahs are solitary, living alone or with their young. Males however, live in small family groups of 2–3 brothers, known as coalitions. How fast can cheetahs run? The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. They can accelerate from 0 to 68 miles per hour in just three seconds. Cheetahs are the only big cat that can turn in mid-air while sprinting. How does the cheetahs tail help when running? Cheetahs long muscular tails have a flat shape that is used for balance and steering. The tail essentially acts like a rudder on a boat. Where do cheetahs give birth? Cheetahs start reproducing at a young age; males at the age of one and females at two. There is no specific breeding season and cheetahs will mate with many individuals throughout their lifetimes. Male cheetahs do not remain with the females after mating, and do not play any role in rearing young. Female cheetahs on the other hand are caring, affectionate and dedicated mothers. Following a pregnancy of three months, female cheetahs will give birth to a litter of 2–8 cubs in a secluded spot such as a rocky outcrop or marshy area with tall grass. Cubs are vulnerable to predators, and many do not survive the first year. Initially, mothers leave the cubs hidden whilst hunting, but cubs will start accompanying her at around six weeks. How long do cubs stay with their mothers? Female cheetahs spend a long time caring for their cubs and teaching them essential survival skills like hunting. Cubs typically stay with their mothers for one and a half to two years. What is the biggest threat to cheetahs? Cheetahs are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. With around 10,000–12,000 individuals left in the wild, cheetahs are Africa’s most endangered big cat. Historically, cheetahs have been hunted for their fur, but today some of the biggest threats to their survival are loss of habitat, and competition for resources. Cheetahs require large areas of land for survival, so increased human settlements and road construction in their habitat puts them at risk. Source: onekindplanet.org

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Emdoneni News

Animals Affected by Climate Change

Exploring how climate change could impact species around the world You may have heard of a climate change risk assessment for a city, state or country—what extreme weather events it might experience, how global warming could impact its economy, or how changes in its air quality could affect people’s health. But have you ever heard of such an assessment for wildlife? “It’s an emerging field of study, particularly the method we’re using,” says Nikhil Advani, a senior program officer for WWF’s climate change adaptation program. “Conservation biology has traditionally focused on historic threats to species, like habitat destruction and overexploitation. And while addressing those threats remains vital, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to understand how climate change could harm the various species we’re trying to protect.” To that end, Advani has been conducting vulnerability assessments and recommending management strategies for some of the most important species WWF is working on. Here’s a look at some of the key vulnerability and resilience factors for those species—and a map of where they live today. POLAR BEAR Ursus maritimus VULNERABILITY Habitat specialists; rely almost entirely on the sea-ice environment. RESILIENCE Opportunistic eaters; prefer seals, but will feed on whale carcasses and even hunt walrus and beluga. Will prey on land animals when necessary. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable SNOW LEOPARD Panthera uncia VULNERABILITY Susceptible to indirect impacts of climate change, such as habitat encroachment by humans as a result of changing conditions in the region. RESILIENCE High mobility across their large, mountainous range—not bound to a narrow altitude or region. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered GIANT PANDA Ailuropoda melanoleuca VULNERABILITY Feed almost exclusively on bamboo plants. RESILIENCE Can tolerate a fairly wide range of temperatures. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered TIGER Panthera tigris VULNERABILITY Very small population size—thought to be as few as 3,200 individuals. RESILIENCE Live across a vast range of habitats, from coastal Bangladesh to the frigid Russian Far East. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered MONARCH BUTTERFLY Danaus plexippus VULNERABILITY Heavily dependent on environmental cues for reproduction, migration and hibernation. RESILIENCE Have a short life span and fast reproductive rate, which could aid adaptation to changes in the environment. IUCN RED LIST STATUS While monarchs themselves aren’t considered an endangered species, IUCN recognizes their migration as an endangered phenomenon. GREEN SEA TURTLE Chelonia mydas VULNERABILITY Very sensitive to temperature changes at all life stages—for example, the sex of baby turtles is determined by the temperature of the sand the eggs are laid in. RESILIENCE High amounts of genetic diversity within the species, which increases their chances of adapting to changing environmental conditions. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered AFRICAN ELEPHANT Loxodonta africana VULNERABILITY Need 40-80 gallons of fresh water a day, just for drinking. RESILIENCE Live in an incredible range of habitats, from open savannas to dense tropical forests. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable GORILLA Gorilla beringei beringei VULNERABILITY Confined to a very small range surrounded by human settlements, so they can’t move elsewhere. RESILIENCE Not picky eaters; feed on everything from fruit to flowers to tree bark. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered ASIAN ELEPHANT Elephas maximus VULNERABILITY Prefer to eat native grasses and other local plants that invasive species are beating out. RESILIENCE Live in a wide variety of habitats and across a broad range of altitudes. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Endangered CHEETAH Acinonyx jubatus VULNERABILITY Very low genetic diversity within the species could hinder ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. RESILIENCE Incredibly low fresh water requirements—need a drink only every 3-4 days. IUCN RED LIST STATUS Vulnerable Source: worldwildlifeorg.

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Emdoneni News

History of the Emdoneni Cheetah Project

The Emdoneni Cheetah Project was started by Ida Nel (our mom) who always had a passion and love for wild animals, especially cheetah. Ida received the first 3 cheetahs from Eshowe (Nandi, Jabu & Tau) in 1994. They all died of old age. They were all between the ages of 16 and 18 years. Cheetahs live longer in captivity because they don’t have the stresses and physical ability to hunt their own food. No predators also make it easier for them. Not long after receiving the original Cheetahs we received one injured Serval – and then it all happened; Emdoneni Cheetah project started. People learnt that injured or orphaned cat species could be brought to us for care and love. We are currently working closely with KZN Parks Board Wildlife Services who assist us in releasing off-spring back into the wild. Successful releasing of Cheetah, Serval, Caracal and African Wildcat has been done in the Cape Province, Charters Creek, Phinda Game Reserve, Mkuze Falls Game Reserve and in the Bushlands area. Emdoneni has successfully managed a “Cheetah Project” since 1994 and a “Serval project” since 1998 and part or vision is to provide and maintain an environmentally friendly and aesthetic wildlife centre. The value of this project is illustrated by favorable reports from international and local visitors whom have commented on the environmental education value of this project. The primary objective and purpose of the project is to facilitate environmental education and conservation of Cheetahs (currently listed as endangered by the IUCN) and Servals (becoming increasingly threatened through habitat loss and hunting), African Wildcat (in-breeding) and Caracals(killed by farmers).

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Cat Information, Emdoneni News

Fun Facts About Cheetah’s

Known for being the world’s fastest land animal, the cheetah is a large feline that can run up to 75 miles per hour in short bursts to cover distances up to 1,600 feet and accelerate to over 60 miles per hour within just three seconds! Easily recognizable from the other popular big cats for their spotted coat, characteristic “tear stripes” from the corner of the eyes, and smaller size, the cheetah possesses a lean, long-legged build manufactured for speed. Read on to learn more fun facts about cheetahs and find out why this fast cat is a true marvel of evolution. CHEETAH HABITAT WHERE DO CHEETAHS LIVE? Historically, cheetahs were once found throughout all of the African and Asian continents from the far reaches of South Africa all the way to India. However, the species is now confined to parts of eastern, central, and southwestern Africa with small isolated populations found in southwestern Asia. Still retaining a rather wide distribution through most of sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, the largest populations of cheetahs today are found on African natural reserves or parks. Found mostly in grassy savannah plains, scrub forests, grasslands, and semi-arid deserts, cheetahs need to inhabit areas that are infinitely open with plenty of area to roam or run after their prey. Since cheetahs rely on being able to camouflage themselves in the grass while stalking after their dinner, the animals are mostly seen in areas that have thick vegetation and where their favorite foods are located. CHEETAH DIET WHAT DO CHEETAHS EAT? As a truly carnivorous animal that depends on meat for survival, the cheetah utilizing its speed to hunt various prey that inhabit the open or partially open savannah. In general, the diet of the cheetah consists of gazelles, wildebeest calves, impalas, and smaller hoofed animals in its habitat. Furthermore, cheetahs may eat rabbits, birds, hares, antelopes, and warthogs. Since water can be very scarce in its native land, cheetahs have the ability to survive with just one drink every three or four days. Camouflaged against the tall grasses, cheetahs quietly sneak up on their prey until they are confident about the attack, burst out using their tail as a rudder, trip the animal with their paw, and then suffocate it with a bite to the neck. After making the kill, cheetahs must eat quickly or drag the food to a hiding spot before any lions, leopards, or hyenas steal it. While they may be the speediest animal, only half of the 20-60 second hunts are actually successful. PHYSICAL TRAITS Since the animals can reach top speeds in no time, cheetahs have a slender body frame that is both lightweight and aerodynamic. Averaging a shoulder height of 30 inches, most cheetahs are between 110 to 140 pounds on their small stature. With long legs, loose hip joints, and a flexible spine, cheetahs have the ability to cover up to 25 feet in one stride. Their muscular legs mainly consists of fast twitch fibers to contract much faster than normal, while their wide nostrils and lungs provide more oxygen for sprints. As one of the species’ trademark features, cheetahs have coarse short fur that is tan with round black spots and black “tear stripes” running from the corner of the eyes down the side of the nose for keeping sunlight out of their eyes. While it is generally shorter-bodied, cheetahs are taller and have a longer tail ending in a bushy white tuft for a more streamlined appearance. Designed to grip the grass floor, the cheetah has blunt non-retractable claws for traction. BEHAVIOR Unlike lions or hyenas, cheetahs are diurnal animals with poor night vision that prefer to hunt their prey through the daytime hours, especially in the late morning and early evening. While they are typically solitary animals and females generally raise their cubs in solitude, they are thought to be the most sociable big cat because siblings stay together for six months after leaving the mother and male cheetahs sometimes live with a small group of brothers from the same litter for life. Males are often aggressive towards other males when battling to mate with a female, but cheetahs will give up their catch to another larger animal to avoid a fight. REPRODUCTION Maturing rather rapidly, males are ready to mate when they are one year old and females will be ready to do so when they are two years old. As animals that engage in a behavior called polygyny, male and female cheetahs will mate with many different members of the opposite sex during their lifetime. After a female gives birth, she will feed the young milk from her body, protect them from predators, begin teaching them to hunt, and eventually leave them alone at one year of age. MATING SEASON Unlike most other big wild cats, cheetahs breed throughout the year without a regular established mating season. However, the seasons where there is a better food supply is when most of the breeding will occur. GESTATION PERIOD Once fertilization has occurred, the pregnancy period will last for approximately three months and the male cheetah will not remain with the female after mating. TYPICAL LITTER SIZE After gestation, female cheetahs can give birth to a litter of up to eight cubs. Since the young cheetahs are at particular danger of attack from predators, the cubs have a distinctive smoky coat color with wooly hair down their backs to camouflage them in the tall grass. POPULATION According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is estimated that there are between 9,000 and 12,000 cheetahs remaining in the wild in Africa with a small pocket of around 200 cheetahs living in isolation in Iran. Once a wide-ranging species with over 100,000 the range a century ago, the dramatic decrease in cheetah population is alarming. THREATS TO CHEETAHS While they may be the fastest land animal, wildlife biologists have begun to question whether they can outrun extinction. Currently

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Ways Cheetahs adapt to their surroundings for survival

The cheetah is a survivor! Using highly adaptive traits and skills, it has carved out a perfect niche which only a cheetah can fill! Using it’s amazing body, biology, behavior and smarts, the cheetah has been a top predator for millions of years. Cheetahs have evolved to fit into environments from Asia, through the Middle East, to most of the continent of Africa, including much of the desolate Sahara Desert. Historically, cheetahs even ranged throughout Eurasia, and the plains of North America, and it is believed this is the reason for the blistering speed of the American Pronghorn Antelope, the second-fastest land animal on earth, as it evolved to keep away from the lightning-fast cheetah of the past! The open plains of wild habitats are huge expanses, with fast, agile prey such as gazelles and antelope, and many other fast predators such as lions and wild canines. Cheetahs survive in these competitive environments by using many different, special traits that have evolved over millennia, including an extremely flexible spine, and long legs for speed and stride length. Their muscles are long and lean like a runner, not like a brawler (like the lion or leopard), and they have light, tall bodies for their size. They have super large lungs, heart and nostrils in order to take in and use large amounts of oxygen during short, fast sprints. Unique to the cheetah are shoulder blades that do not attach to the collar bone and freely pivoting hips which give even more stretch to their 7 meter stride. During the daytime on the plains, the scorching sun can reflect its heat and light off of the light-colored grasses and flatlands, making long-distance vision and accuracy difficult for most predators. The head of a cheetah is smaller and more streamlined than other big cats, including the famous “tear marks,” or black markings that extend from the eyes down the muzzle, which are believed to help with the refractive glare of the sun on the wide, hot plains on which they primarily hunt. Their round, black spots on tawny, tan coats give them good camouflage while lying in the grass or in the dappled shade of brush, or while stalking prey in the beginning stage of a hunt, but they are light enough in color to decrease heat absorption during daytime activity. Leopards are the “Kings of the Trees,” ambush predators with true cat-like-retractable claws and unmatched climbing abilities. Lions amble in near leisure on the plains due to the safety of the pride numbers, hunting in groups and using their sheer size, strength and numbers to take down large prey like zebra, giraffe, buffalo, even young elephants. Cheetahs, on the other hand, possess semi-retractable claws (something in between the retractable claws of a leopard, and the non-retractable claws of a dog) which give extremely high traction for acceleration, break-neck turning maneuvers and rapid deceleration while hunting. Their tail is extra long to act as a balancing “rudder” while performing extreme turns at high speed. Other predators would need quite a lot of luck to catch the fastest of prey animals, but the cheetah is made for it. The tight binding of the tibia and the fibula restrict rotation of the lower leg, stabilizing the legs for speed, although this reduces the cheetah’s climbing ability compared to a leopard. Cheetahs will also hunt during the day, while most other predators are resting or hiding. These and other specialized adaptations give cheetahs a very special niche in which they thrive. They do well in wide open areas, hunting fast, lean, agile animals, using their excellent sight and flatland maneuverability. They climb trees only casually, and do not hide, sleep, or eat in trees like leopards. With so many dangers from other strong predators, the cheetah chooses to avoid a fight, knowing that damage to it’s lean, runners body would be disastrous. Even many larger herbivores like zebra, eland, giraffe, hippo, rhino and the like can put up a good fight, causing significant damage to a 100 lb cat made for speed. Cheetahs are smart enough to run from a fight, using their iconic speed, realizing their advantageous endowments and their limitations, rather than tough it out like a massively muscled lion would, or even a large herbivore such as rhino. A mother cheetah, though, to ensure the survival of her young, will attempt to fight off any who come near her cubs, sometimes and unfortunately, to her own death. Above all, cheetahs fit perfectly into a niche which no other predator can, and their behaviors are well suited to life as the supreme speed hunter of the open plains. Their hunting style differs greatly from the stalk-pounce-wrestle style of the leopard, or the group-take-down style of the lion, and they will not scavenge like the hyena, and do not engage in long-distance marathon hunts like the African Wild Dogs. Their hunting efficiency is around 50%, but scavengers such as the jackal and hyena, or even the lion, will often steal their kill, making them an integral part of the ecosystem as a food procurer for many others. They are uniquely adapted to thrive in their ecosystem… but in the last hundred years or so, human encroachment, killing due to misconceptions, trophy hunting, cheetah cubs being stolen for the exotic pet trade, indiscriminate poaching and other detrimental human activities, have reduced their numbers by 93%. This predator’s range has been reduced or fragmented so dramatically by human encroachment, that they are now in grave danger of extinction, with less than 8,000 adult cheetahs left in the wild. Bush-encroachment has also become a severe threat to the cheetah’s survival in its environment. Since farmers and herders are over-grazing their livestock in grasslands where cheetahs historically hunt, heavy thorn-bush has begun take hold of the plains, as the grasses that normally contribute to a balanced variety of vegetation are grazed and trampled out of the area. These thorn bushes that normally existed only in certain areas

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