In general, cheetahs have a relatively short lifespan of 8 to 10 years in the wild, although they can live up to 12 to 15 years in captivity. During this time, they cover significant distances as they roam their territory in search of food and mates.
On average, a cheetah can cover several kilometers (miles) per day while hunting and exploring its habitat. They typically have home ranges of around 10 to 15 square kilometers (4 to 6 square miles), and they may cover the entire range during their daily activities.
However, when it comes to long-distance travel or migration, cheetahs are not known for covering vast distances like some other species. They are mainly sprinters designed for short bursts of speed rather than endurance running.
Additionally, cheetahs are territorial animals, and they usually stay within their established territory unless forced to move by environmental factors like prey scarcity or competition from other predators.
Therefore, while cheetahs can cover impressive distances during their daily activities and occasional movements, they don't typically engage in long-distance running or migration like other animals such as wildebeest or birds. Their lifetime distance traveled is mostly confined to their home range and the hunting grounds within their territory.