Cheetahs are the fastest land animals and remarkable predators of the African savanna. They pursue prey with incredible agility and precision. These powerful hunters navigate vast landscapes, relying on keen senses and specialized physiology to survive. The journey of a cheetah begins with its young, presenting a fascinating study in development and perseverance against numerous challenges in the wild.
Identifying Cheetah Cubs
Cheetah babies are called cubs. At birth, these cubs are notably small, typically weighing between 8.5 to 15 ounces and measuring around 11.8 inches long. Their coats differ significantly from adults, featuring a thick, silvery-grey mantle. This mantle is a long, fluffy hair that runs along their back and head, sometimes described as a mane.
The mantle serves multiple purposes for the cubs. It acts as camouflage, helping them blend into tall grasses and shadows. Additionally, this fur may mimic the appearance of a honey badger, an animal known for its aggressive nature that many predators, such as lions and hyenas, tend to avoid. This mimicry can deter potential threats, offering protection during their vulnerable stage. The mantle typically begins to fade around three months of age and is usually gone by 12 months, as the cubs mature.
Life as a Young Cheetah
A female cheetah raises her cubs alone. The average litter size ranges from three to five cubs, though it can vary from one to eight. Newborn cubs are blind and helpless, opening their eyes between 4 to 11 days after birth. The mother keeps her cubs hidden in secluded nests, frequently moving them to avoid detection by predators.
Cheetah cubs face a high mortality rate, particularly in their first few months of life. Up to 90% of cubs may not survive, primarily due to predation by other large carnivores like lions, hyenas, and even baboons. The mother must leave her cubs to hunt, making them vulnerable during these periods. Around six weeks of age, cubs begin to follow their mother and explore their surroundings.
The mother introduces meat to their diet at three weeks, though they are nursed for up to six months. From around six months, the mother teaches them hunting skills, often bringing live, injured prey for practice. This training is important for their development. Cubs stay with their mother for 15 to 24 months, perfecting their hunting and survival abilities before becoming independent. After this, male siblings may form coalitions, while females usually disperse to establish their own territories.