Cheetahs primarily hunt smaller to medium-sized prey, but they can and occasionally do hunt wildebeest, especially young or vulnerable individuals. While not a common prey animal for a lone cheetah, male cheetah coalitions have been observed taking down larger animals like wildebeest.
Cheetah Hunting and Diet
Cheetahs are known for their exceptional speed, central to their hunting strategy. They are the fastest land animals, reaching speeds up to 70 miles per hour (113 kilometers per hour) in short bursts. Their body is built for sprinting, with long legs and a flexible spine allowing rapid acceleration. Cheetahs stalk prey, often getting within 60 to 100 meters before initiating a high-speed chase. Sprints are short, lasting around 20 seconds, as cheetahs have limited endurance.
Their diet consists mainly of small to medium-sized hoofed mammals, often weighing under 40 kg (88 lb). Common prey include gazelles (Thomson’s and Grant’s), impalas, and springboks. They also prey on smaller animals like hares and birds. Female cheetahs hunt alone, relying on speed and agility. Male cheetahs, often brothers, form coalitions, allowing them to hunt cooperatively and tackle larger prey.
Wildebeest as a Challenge
Wildebeest present challenges for cheetahs due to their size. Blue wildebeest, for example, weigh between 230 to 275 kilograms (500 to 600 pounds) and stand up to 152 centimeters (five feet) tall. This makes them a formidable target for a cheetah, which weighs between 21 and 65 kg (46 and 143 lb).
Wildebeest also live in large herds, a primary defense against predators. The sheer number of individuals creates a “dilution effect,” reducing the probability of any single animal being targeted. When threatened, herds scatter chaotically, making it difficult for a predator to focus on one individual, a “confusion effect.” Wildebeest possess speed and endurance, reaching up to 50 mph. They also use vocalizations and visual cues, like alarm calls, to alert others to danger.
Prey Selection and Survival
Cheetahs are highly selective in prey, choosing individuals easier to catch to maximize hunting success and conserve energy. They target vulnerable animals like the young, old, sick, or injured within a herd. While cheetahs can kill prey ranging from 14 to 135 kg, they prefer animals weighing between 23 and 56 kg. Hunting a large animal like an adult wildebeest involves energy expenditure and risk of injury. A cheetah’s heart rate can reach 250 beats per minute during a chase, requiring a recovery period afterward.
Hunting larger prey like wildebeest is rare for a lone cheetah, though it can occur when targeting a very young calf separated from its mother. Young cheetahs learning to hunt may struggle with larger calves, prolonging the kill and increasing the risk of kleptoparasitism from other predators. Male cheetah coalitions, by working together, can increase their chances of taking down larger prey like adult wildebeest. This cooperative hunting allows them to overcome challenges posed by the size and defensive strategies of wildebeest herds.