Cheetah: The Day Hunter

From their early morning hunts to their mid-day rest under the shade, watch how a cheetah spends their day.

See as they stalk prey with precision, accelerate to breathtaking speeds of up to 70 mph, and recover after their high-energy chases. Daytime Activity: Unlike most big cats, cheetahs are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, especially during dawn and dusk. This behavior helps them avoid nocturnal predators like lions and hyenas.

Adaptations for Daylight Hunting: Cheetahs rely heavily on their keen eyesight to spot prey during daylight hours. They often use elevated vantage points, such as termite mounds or kopjes, to scan the horizon for potential prey.

Heat Avoidance: During the hottest parts of the day, cheetahs rest in shaded areas to conserve energy. Their peak activity occurs when temperatures are cooler in the early morning or late afternoon.

Vocal Communication

Chirping: Cheetahs use high-pitched chirps to coordinate during hunts, especially within coalitions (groups of male cheetahs) or between mothers and cubs. These sounds help them maintain contact over short distances without alerting prey or predators.

Stuttering: A stutter-like vocalization is often used to express excitement or solicit cooperation, such as males signaling readiness to engage in a hunt.

Scent Marking

Cheetahs leave scent marks on trees, termite mounds, or other prominent objects in the landscape. These markings help communicate territory boundaries and the presence of other cheetahs in the area. During hunts, scent trails may also assist coalition members in regrouping if separated

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