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 type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?

Can lions climb trees?

Do Aardwolves have any predators?

What is a Suni?

Can lions swim?

Can visitors interact with the mammals in Kruger National Park?

Are lions territorial?

Do lions move around during the day?

Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?

How long do Suni live?

How do Vervet Monkeys communicate and are they aggressive?

Where can I find Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?

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

Do they attack other predators?

How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?

What is the most dangerous animal in Africa?

What is the size of the spotted hyaenas territory?

Where can I find impalas in Kruger National Park?

What do Suni eat?

What do porcupines eat?

Are leopards very susceptible to disease?

Are male lions more aggressive than females?

What kind of sounds do cheetahs make?

Do the home ranges of lions overlap?

Is the cheetah a true cat?

How long do African Lions sleep on average?

What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?

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

Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?

How big can hippos get?

What do Aardwolves eat?

What are some fun facts about Elephants?

What is the general behaviour of a Vervet Monkey?

What does a Serval eat?

What is an impala?

What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?

Are Aardwolves endangered?

What do Elands eat?

How do lions kill their prey?

Do lions often become man eaters?