Dietary needs: Cheetahs are obligate carnivores, which means they must consume meat to survive. Their diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized prey, such as gazelles, impalas, and wildebeests. They are exceptionally fast runners and rely on speed and agility to catch their prey.
Hunting technique: Cheetahs are known for their incredible speed and hunting prowess. They typically hunt during the day and rely on their keen eyesight to spot potential prey. When a cheetah identifies its target, it stalks quietly and then bursts into a high-speed chase. Cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) in just a few seconds, allowing them to outrun most of their prey.
Feeding behavior: Once a cheetah successfully captures its prey, it typically begins feeding immediately. They prefer to consume the soft organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, first. This is because these organs are highly nutritious and provide essential energy. Cheetahs typically do not eat the entire carcass and may abandon the remains for other scavengers.
Eating posture: Unlike some other big cats that may hold their prey down with their paws while feeding, cheetahs usually adopt a low crouch with their head close to the ground. They use their forepaws to steady the prey and tear off pieces of meat with their teeth.
Meal frequency: Cheetahs tend to eat relatively frequently when food is available. They may have several small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal. This behavior allows them to maintain their energy levels and stay ready for hunts.
Scavenging: Cheetahs are not known to be regular scavengers, but they may occasionally scavenge on carcasses left behind by other predators or human hunters. However, they typically prefer fresh kills.
It's worth noting that cheetahs are also very vulnerable to competition from other predators, including lions, leopards, and hyenas. They often must defend their kills from these larger carnivores, which can result in losing their hard-earned meals.