The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat native to Africa. It is the fastest land animal, capable of running at 80 to 98 km/h (50 to 61 mph); as such, it has evolved specialized adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail. Its head is small and rounded, with a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. The coat is typically tawny to creamy white or pale buff and is mostly covered with evenly spaced, solid black spots. Four subspecies are recognised.
The cheetah lives in three main social groups: females and their cubs, male “coalitions”, and solitary males. While females lead a nomadic life searching for prey in large home ranges, males are more sedentary and instead establish much smaller territories in areas with plentiful prey and access to females. Cheetah cubs are highly vulnerable to predation by other large carnivores such as hyenas and lions. They are weaned at around four months and are independent by around 20 months of age.
Stamps & Postal Products
1972 Conservation Year (1st Issue) – 4n Cheetah
1978 Anti-Poaching Campaign – 32n Anti-Poaching Game Guard Patrol & Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Postcards
1968 – SAPRA Studio (RZ Series/Type II) No.1-49
