Search


How is the prey of a cheetah caught and killed?

The classic cheetah hunting technique is a high speed chase, during which the prey is tripped up by knocking it off balance. In the process the dewclaw is dug into the flank and pulled backwards. The cheetah may also slap the hind legs of the prey to bring it down. Once the prey is down the cheetah grabs it by the throat and it is strangled by a sustained grip of the throat. Death of the prey is in almost all cases due to strangulation. The teeth of cheetahs are too short for the stabbing killing bite used by other cats. If possible, the prey is dragged into shade or cover in order to avoid the attention of other carnivores and vultures. Cheetahs are very messy eaters, as they have to eat quickly before they are robbed of their kills.

More frequently asked questions on: Mammals


What are the pangolin's scales made of?

What should I do if I encounter a dangerous mammal in Kruger National Park?

It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?

What is a hippo?

Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?

What are the major physical features of the Vervet Monkey?

What do Klipspringers eat?

What do spotted hyenas eat?

What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?

Where can you find spotted hyenas in Kruger National Park?

Do lions kill only when they are hungry?

What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?

How do spotted hyenas hunt?

Are impalas endangered?

What is the gestation period of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?

What do Elands look like?

Are Mountain Reedbucks dangerous?

Where can Elands be found in Kruger National Park?

Are Blue wildebeest endangered?

How do lions kill their prey?

How far can the roar of a lion be heard?

Are Suni endangered?

How do leopards manage to get very heavy prey into a tree?

Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?

What is a Mountain Reedbuck?

Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?

Where can Aardwolves be found in the Kruger Park?

What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?

May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?

Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?

Are Klipspringers endangered?

Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?

What are the normal causes of death in lions?

Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?

Are hippos dangerous?

What is the best time of day to see Elands in Kruger National Park?

What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?

Can visitors interact with the mammals in Kruger National Park?

Is it true that giraffes have blue tongues?

Where can I find Brown Hyenas in Kruger Park?