Nngwe Cheetah

The cheetah is well known to be the world's fastest land mammal. Its long, powerful legs, lithe body, deep chest, long tail and small head are adapted for speed. It can achieve average sprint speeds of up to 75 km per hour over distances of between 100 and 150 metres. During short spurts it is said to be capable of about 100 km per hour. It lacks stamina, however, and if the prey is not overaken withiin a short distance, it will abandon the chase. Its buff coat is entirely covered with black spots scattered singly and not grouped in the rosette form of the leopard. A charcteristic black "tear-stripe" runs from the eye to the corner of the mouth. Cheetahs are usually found singly or in small family groups in savanna or open bush. A litter normally consists of two to three cubs.