Cheetah Siblings - The Last 2 members of the Tano Bora Cheetah Coalition Maasai Mara
Cheetah Siblings😍 The last 2 members of the Tano Bora Cheetah Coalition.
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/famed-tano-bora-cheetah-coalition-loses-another-member-3717576
While we had seen "The Big Five" and many other African Wildlife, we were finally blessed to see these sibling Cheetahs, resting in the distance. As we approached they looked left, then right and gratefully they stood up and showed off their elegance. What a slim and agile creature. Simply magnificent!
Cheetahs are an endangered species and historically had a wider range that extended from Africa to Southwest Asia and central India, they are now primarily found in Africa. Cheetahs are indeed known for their incredible speed. They can reach speeds of 80 to 98 km/h (50 to 61 mph) in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters (1,640 feet). However, they can only maintain these high speeds for a short period before overheating, as their body temperature rises significantly during a sprint. Adult cheetahs typically measure between 67 and 94 cm (26 and 37 inches) at the shoulder and have a head-and-body length ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 m (3 ft 7 in to 4 ft 11 in). The weight of adult cheetahs can vary significantly, with males weighing between 35 and 65 kg (77 and 143 lb), and females ranging from 20 to 50 kg (44 to 110 lb).
Cheetahs have a more flexible social structure compared to other large cats. They are usually solitary animals, with males forming small groups called "coalitions" that are typically composed of brothers from the same litter. Female cheetahs are generally solitary unless they have dependent cubs. Female cheetahs and their cubs form the most stable social unit, as the cubs stay with their mother for about a year and a half before becoming independent.
They primarily prey on medium-sized ungulates, such as gazelles, impalas, and other small to medium-sized antelopes. They rely on their incredible speed and agility to chase down their prey, often employing a strategy of stalking and sprinting. During the chase, they use their long tail for balance and maneuverability. Once they catch up to their prey, cheetahs will trip the animal by knocking it off balance and then suffocate it with a bite to the throat.
The cheetah population has declined significantly over the years, primarily due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. In 2021, the IUCN Red List reclassified the cheetah from "Vulnerable" to "Endangered." The estimated global population in the wild is now believed to be around 7,000 individuals. Efforts are being made to protect cheetahs and their habitats through conservation initiatives, such as anti-poaching measures and the establishment of protected areas.
Cheetahs have indeed been significant figures in art, literature, advertising, and animation, often celebrated for their speed and elegance. They continue to captivate people's imaginations worldwide.
