Thread by @AnupamSharmaIFS

#CheetahIsBack

Cheetahs (3♂️, 5♀️) are coming to India (Kuno Palpur National Park, MP) from Namibia within a few days.

They will be released into quarantine Enclosure by the Hon'ble PM @NarendraModi on 17th September.

It's a thread on some interesting facts about #Cheetah.

1/n

Cheetah is the world's fastest land animal. It shows astonishing speed & acceleration ... 0 to 100km/hr in 3 seconds.

Biological Adaptations behind such speed:
* Flexible spine, which enables elongated strides (upto 20ft)
* Light weight (avg adult males weigh 40-60kg)

* Aerodynamic body (small head, slender legs): minimises air resistance
* Enlarged nostrils, heart & lungs: supply large amount of oxygenated blood
* Semi-retractable claws: Unlike other Big Cats, Cheetah claws don't retract fully, giving them better grip & traction while running

* Hard & Elongated Pads improve shock absorption & provide more traction
* Long muscular tail acts like a rudder allowing Cheetah to quickly change its direction while running. It provides counterbalance for sharp turns during a chase.

They make Cheetah nature's perfect sprinter

2/n

Unlike most big cats, Cheetah can't Roar.

Cheetah vocalisations:
* Chirp (bird-like call): Cheetah chirp when excited after a kill or to locate cubs/mother

* Purr (call ~domestic cats, but louder): produced when Cheetahs r content or licking others

3/n

Unlike other big cats which are primarily nocturnal, Cheetah are diurnal (they are active mainly during the day).

Reason behind this behavioural adaptation: Other big cats (Leopard, Lion) can predate upon or compete with Cheetah in night. Daytime activity can avoid it.

4/n

Cheetah fur/coat is mostly covered with evenly spaced, oval or round solid black Spots. It provides camouflage to Cheetah in grassland.

Each Cheetah has a distinct pattern of spots, which can be used to identify unique individuals.

Leopard fur has polygonal Rosettes.

5/n

#Cheetah has black tear-line marks, running from the corners of the eyes downwards.

These markings help in reflecting the bright glare of the sun while hunting in open plains. By minimizing glare, Cheetah can remain focused on moving prey during the high-speed chase.