Photography

Cheetah Mother staring at Sunset

Photographer:

Olivier DELAERE

Date Taken:

2010-08-15

Location:

Masai Mara, Kenya

Description:

The cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus) is one of the big cat species living on earth. Most of its anatomical features are adapted for speed, from limbs to nostrils or even eyes. It is the fastest land animal on earth. Nevertheless, this peculiar capacity also has its drawbacks. Because of thin forelegs, unable to supinate (external rotation) like other cats,cheetahs are unable to climb trees and can only adapt themselves to open plains. Their light constitution is another reason why they are vulnerable and outranked by most of the big carnivores of the savannah, which can easily steal their preys and kill their cubs.
Human demographic pressure, loss of natural habitat, conflicts with farmers outside national parks or game reserves or even maybe poor genetic diversity are the main threats this beautiful cat has to face.
The Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus) is classified as a vulnerable species by the U.C.N.