What makes a cheetah?

Are cheetahs big cats?

Even though they are taller than many other cats, measuring up to 94cm high at the shoulder, cheetahs are technically not a ‘big cat’. Unlike lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars, who are part of the Panthera genus, they are the only member of the Acinonyx genus. Although commonly classified as a big cat, cheetahs cannot roar. They lack the floating hyoid bone and specially adapted larynx which enables the Panthera cats to roar, and instead make bird-like chirping calls, barks and purrs.

Spot the difference

The cat family has many members with spotted fur – sometimes it can be tricky to tell them apart. Cheetah can be distinguished thanks to their small, solid, dark spots which help them blend in with the tall grasses of the open savannah. Leopards and jaguars on the other hand, have two-toned, rosette-shaped markings across their body – prefect for helping them blend in amongst the trees.

If you’re still not sure, the easiest way to tell a cheetah apart from leopards or jaguars is by looking at their face! Cheetahs hunt during the daytime, so have adapted special black markings down their face that resemble teardrops. These are thought to help protect cheetah’s eyes from the glare of the sun when out hunting.

Built for speed

Cheetahs are perfectly adapted for high-speed chases – they can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in as little as three seconds, sprinting up to 70mph over short distances. As well as their lean physique, which reduces air resistance, cheetahs have enlarged nostrils, heart and lungs, to fuel their explosive muscles with enough oxygen during the chase.

Their rudder-like tail provides balance and steering, whilst non-retractable claws provide traction with the ground. Specially adapted bones, hips and a flexible spine help lengthen their stride and provide superior acceleration. Leopards and lions, who are built for strength rather than speed, can only run half as fast as a cheetah.

Cat coalitions

Whilst lions are the only truly social cat, some male cheetahs will form coalitions, working together to take down larger, more dangerous prey animals and to defend better territories. These coalitions, which in some cases last a lifetime, can be made up of male litter-mates, or unrelated males who join forces.

One of the largest and most famous cheetah coalitions lived in Maasai Mara National Reserve. Named ‘Tano Bora’, meaning ‘The Magnificent Five’, these males lived, hunted and defended together for many years, before two of the five males died in 2022.

Under threat

Once found across Africa and Asia, cheetah numbers are in serious decline, with as few as 6,500 remaining in the wild. In Asia, the cheetah has been eradicated from most of its range – where they persist, the population is small and extremely vulnerable to extinction.

Classed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, cheetah face many threats including habitat loss, prey loss, disease, unregulated tourism, human-cheetah conflict, poaching and the illegal pet trade. Born Free works to protect cheetah living in the wild, as well as providing lifetime care for rescued cheetah at our Born Free sanctuary in Ethiopia.

YOU CAN HELP

Cheetahs, like other wild cats, do not cope well in captivity. Small enclosures, living in the wrong climate and inappropriate social grouping can lead to a lifetime of suffering, with no conservation value. With your help, we can end the exploitation of big cats in zoos and create a Roar-Free UK. 

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