What chirps, hangs out in trees, lives in Africa, is the fastest land animal on earth, and is Africa's most endangered big cat? The spotted chirper is . . .the African Cheetah!
You would think a big cat like the cheetah would roar like a lion, right? But the cheetah actually makes chirping sounds like a bird. Sure it can growl, hiss, and purr like all big cats, but it keeps in contact with other cheetahs by chirping. Here are some facts you may not know:
- The cheetah's long legs and slender body makes them built for speed.
- Cheetahs can run up to 70 mph, but only for about half of a minute because that speed takes a lot of energy.
- Their long tail helps their balance.
- They have black lines that look like tears that run from the corner of their eyes to their mouth. These black lines keep the sun's glare away, and help the cheetah sight on their prey.
- They hunt during the day because they don't see very good at night.
Like so many other animals, cheetahs are endangered because of loss of habitat, hunted for their fur, and killed to protect livestock. One hundred years ago, there were 100,000 cheetahs in Africa. Now there are less than 10,000.To find out how you can help save the cheetah from disappearing, check out Cheetah-Namibia Wildlife Conservation.
Animals are here to share our world with us. Wouldn't life be boring without them?
Here's what I, Animal Girl, think about our disappearing animals.
"Some think it's cool, but I think it's cruel."
Twice now I've sat down with a cheetah and had my picture taken. A cheetahs purr sounds almost like a growl! I had to be told by staff on hand that the big cat was indeed happy and purring. Such raw strength and power! 20 years later I'm still unsure if such a program (pictures with wild animals) was a good idea. But it did work for me in that I've been a long time supporter and admirer of cheetahs!
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