The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large, sleek cat and the fastest land animal, capable of running up to 104 km/h (65 mph). With a light build, long thin legs, and a long tail, the cheetah has evolved specialized adaptations for speed. Its tawny to creamy white fur is marked with evenly spaced solid black spots. The cheetah has a small, rounded head with a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. It stands 67–94 cm (26–37 in) at the shoulder and measures 1.1 to 1.5 m (3 ft 7 in to 4 ft 11 in) from head to body. Adults typically weigh between 21 and 72 kg (46 and 159 lb).

The cheetah was first scientifically documented in the late 18th century. Today, four subspecies native to Africa and central Iran are recognized. One African subspecies was introduced to India in 2022 and now lives mostly in small, fragmented groups in northwestern, eastern, and southern Africa, as well as central Iran. Cheetahs inhabit diverse environments including the Serengeti’s savannahs, the Sahara’s arid mountains, and hilly desert terrain.

Hunting

The cheetah is a highly sought-after choice for game hunting in Africa, attracting big game hunting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Renowned as the swiftest land creature on the planet, the cheetah poses a formidable challenge to hunters with its expansive habitat and perpetual motion. Embarking on a cheetah hunt in Africa promises an exhilarating adventure like no other. Although the odds of a successful hunt are slim (with a harvest rate of approximately 20% in Namibia), the reward of claiming a cheetah trophy makes every step and risk worthwhile! Bringing down a cheetah during an African hunt is a remarkable feat for any hunter, deserving of a grand celebration!

Cheetahs eat around 6-8 pounds of food each day, which includes a variety of prey such as rabbits, warthogs, birds, and different sizes of antelope. A fascinating fact about cheetahs is their ability to survive without water for 4-10 days by getting moisture from the bodies of their prey. Cheetahs typically hunt in the early morning or late afternoon, using their keen eyesight to spot game from high vantage points like hills or termite mounds. Once they locate their prey, they approach stealthily and then sprint at incredible speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. They capture their prey by biting its throat, cutting off its air supply and suffocating it.

When hunting cheetah, it’s important to note that they never return to a kill and only consume fresh meat, making baiting an unsuccessful hunting method. They do not scavenge for food, so if they are unable to hunt due to sickness or injury, they will starve. Hunting Cheetah during a hunting safari is challenging, even for an experienced hunter. They are always on the move and cover a large territory, making them difficult to find.  The most common technique of cheetah hunting in Africa is the spot and stalk method. A large area of ground is usually covered before cheetah tracks are seen. This is also not an easy task, as cheetahs are very alert. They themselves are not only predators but are also preyed upon, resulting in them being extra vigilant

Cheetahs face threats from hyenas, lions, and leopards, but their speed often protects them. However, it is usually the cheetah cubs that become preyed upon. Female cheetahs typically live alone and only interact with other cheetahs during mating or when raising their cubs. On the other hand, male cheetahs can be solitary or form groups called coalitions. These coalitions consist of 2-3 male cheetahs, but sometimes up to five males can be part of a coalition.

As humans encroach on wilderness areas, cheetahs face conflict with sheep and goat herders who view them as threats. However, cheetahs thrive on regulated game farms and hunting concessions where they are protected from poachers and have abundant prey. The CITES treaty allows limited cheetah hunting quotas in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Perhaps one of the greatest arguments that hunting is a valuable conservation tool is to examine the country with the most hunting opportunities and highest population of Cheetahs: Namibia. It comes to no surprise to us that monetarilly valuing this natural resource results in higher population numbers.

Rowland Ward, Ltd reports that the biggest Cheetah harvested measured 14 8/16 inches or 36.8cm.

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