At near maximum acceleration, a cheetah runs about one stride per 0.28 seconds or 3.5 strides per second.Ĭheetahs have a curved dewclaw on their forelegs.
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A single stride may cover 7 m (23 ft.) - the same distance as a much larger race horse in full stride. Rarely will a cheetah attempt an attack if more than 200 m (650 ft.) away from prey.ĭuring a fast sprint all four paws of a cheetah do not touch the ground when the legs are fully contracted under the body and as the legs become fully extended. The distance covered averages 170 m (550 ft.), but some may continue pursuit for about 500 m (1,640 ft.). A chase lasts perhaps 20 seconds, with few pursuits exceeding one minute. When the cheetah is within 70 to 100 m (230 to 330 ft.), the chase begins.
Prey may be spotted within seconds or stalked for hours. Unlike most other cats, cheetahs do not ambush their prey or attack within springing distance. However, cheetahs have little endurance so the pursuit of prey must be well timed out. To capture prey, cheetahs are capable of accelerating from 0 to 80 km/h (50 mph) in just three strides, with a maximum speed of 110 km/h (68.35 mph) in a few seconds. "Fast twitch" muscle fibers are efficient for only a few minutes during times when the supply of oxygen is reduced through anaerobic respiration. "Fast twitch" muscle fibers provide power over endurance, and cheetahs have up to a 20% higher concentration of these specialized fibers compared to other fast moving animals like greyhounds and horses. In addition, hares ( Lepus spp.), small mammals, and birds may also be taken. Gazelles (especially Gazella thompsonii), impalas ( Aepyceros melampus), other small- to medium-sized ungulates, plus calves of larger ungulate species are the primary diet of cheetahs.
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