Points

30

per confirmed sighting

MammalConservation status: VulnerableRare to spot
mammals • Felidae

Cheetah.

C

Acinonyx jubatus

The fastest land animal, built for short explosive chases across open country.

Category

mammals

Family

Felidae

Size

1.1–1.5 m body, 35–65 kg

Points

30 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding cheetah in its natural range.

Overview

The fastest land animal, built for short explosive chases across open country.

How to identify it

Slender body, small head, solid black spots and distinctive black tear lines running from eye to mouth.

Habitat

EltonTraits foraging-stratum classification: ground-dwelling/terrestrial (including aquatic ground-associated coding).

Diet

Impala, springbok, steenbok and hares

Behaviour

Females solitary with cubs; males form lifelong coalitions

When to look

EltonTraits activity classification: diurnal.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaNamibia flagNamibiaBotswana flagBotswanaZimbabwe flagZimbabweZambia flagZambiaMozambique flagMozambiqueEswatini flagEswatiniAngola flagAngola
  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier ParkZA
  • Etosha National ParkNA
  • Moremi Game ReserveBW

Field notes

  • Namibia holds the world's largest free-roaming cheetah population.

Safety and etiquette

Observe from a vehicle or a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.