Overview
Cheetahs are built for explosive speed. Their lightweight bodies, long legs, flexible spine and enlarged nasal passages allow them to accelerate faster than most land mammals. But hunting is not simply about speed — it’s about timing, stealth, and a finely managed burst of energy.
Hunt Strategy
Cheetahs typically stalk within striking distance using cover, then unleash short sprints of up to 90 km/h for less than a minute. They aim to close the gap rapidly, trip the prey, and deliver a suffocating bite to the neck. Because their sprint is energetically expensive and overheats their bodies quickly, cheetahs must end the chase fast.
Energy & Recovery
After a sprint, cheetahs spend time cooling down and resting. This recovery period is essential — a failed chase can leave them exhausted and vulnerable to larger predators (like lions or hyenas) that often steal the kill.
Conservation Notes
Habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict threaten cheetahs’ capacity to hunt and roam. Conservation measures — protecting corridors, reducing livestock predation, and anti-poaching efforts — are crucial for their survival.