The cheetah is the world’s fastest land mammal, a slender and specialized hunter built for speed. Its existence is defined by the predator-prey dynamic, a constant race for survival on the African savanna. The cheetah’s lean body, long legs, and unique adaptations are all finely tuned for the pursuit of the specific animals that constitute its diet.
Preferred Prey of the Savannah
The diet of a cheetah is relatively focused, centering on small to medium-sized ungulates. Their preferred prey falls within a body mass range of 23 to 56 kilograms, a size manageable for a solitary hunter. These animals are abundant in the cheetah’s grassland habitats and provide a substantial energy return for the effort of the hunt. Among the most common targets are:
- Thomson’s gazelles
- Impalas
- Springboks
- Grant’s gazelles
This preference for prey under 60 kilograms (about 130 pounds) is a practical one. A cheetah relies on a swift and precise killing method rather than brute force. Tackling an animal significantly larger than itself would increase the risk of injury and expend far more energy than is efficient.
While individual cheetahs hunt these primary targets, male cheetahs sometimes form groups called coalitions. These coalitions may occasionally attempt to hunt larger animals, but the core of the cheetah’s diet remains consistent. The abundance of these animals makes them the most reliable food source.
The Science of the Hunt
A cheetah’s hunt is a multi-stage process that leverages its unique anatomy for maximum efficiency. The process begins not with a chase, but with a period of patient observation and stalking. The cheetah uses vantage points and tall grasses for cover, attempting to approach its target undetected to within 60 to 100 meters before initiating the pursuit. This stealthy approach is fundamental, as it closes the distance and conserves energy for the final, explosive sprint.
Once the chase begins, the cheetah’s body becomes a marvel of biological engineering. Its flexible spine acts like a spring, allowing for a massive stride length, while its long, muscular tail serves as a rudder for balance during high-speed turns. Semi-retractable claws, unlike those of other big cats, function like cleats, providing superior grip and traction on the ground. This allows for rapid acceleration, enabling the cheetah to reach speeds of over 100 km/h in just a few seconds.
The chase is typically short, lasting for only a few hundred meters. The objective is not to outrun the prey over long distances but to close the gap quickly. As it overtakes its target, the cheetah uses its sharp dewclaw on its forepaw to trip the animal. Once the prey is down, the cheetah delivers a suffocating bite to the throat, a precise technique that requires less strength than a crushing bite and is suited to its smaller jaw and canine teeth.
Alternative Food Sources
When preferred prey is scarce, cheetahs demonstrate dietary flexibility by turning to alternative food sources. These are often animals that are smaller or require different hunting tactics than their usual targets.
This secondary menu includes smaller mammals such as hares and birds like guineafowl. While easier to catch in some respects, these smaller animals provide a significantly lower caloric payoff, meaning the cheetah must hunt more frequently to meet its energy needs.
Cheetahs will also occasionally prey on the young of larger species. Calves of animals like warthogs or wildebeest can become targets of opportunity. Hunting these animals often requires a different approach, as the mother is typically nearby and poses a significant threat.