* Balance and Steering: The long, striped tail acts like a counterbalance, helping the cheetah maintain its stability and agility while running at high speeds. It helps them change direction quickly and navigate obstacles effectively.
* Communication: The tail movements of a cheetah are often used for communication. They use their tails to signal their mood, intentions, and social status. For example, a raised tail often indicates confidence and a lowered tail can signal fear or submission.
* Camouflage: While less prominent than the spots on their bodies, the stripes on their tails may help them blend into the tall grasses and other vegetation in their natural habitat. The stripes can break up their silhouette, making them harder for prey to spot.
* Fly Swatting: The cheetah's tail is also used to swat away annoying flies and other insects.
In summary, the striped tail of a cheetah is an important adaptation for both survival and social communication.