Animale
Cheetah
A flexible back, long tail and specialised claws support a short pursuit.
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A cheetah has a slender body, long legs, a small head and a long tail. It is a sprinter's build: a flexible spine allows it to lengthen its stride during a chase. Great speed serves a short burst, not a pursuit over many kilometres. Securing a meal therefore begins earlier, with choosing prey and getting as close as possible.
Cheetahs locate prey mainly by sight. They may survey their surroundings from a raised spot before stalking with the head lowered. Their prey includes gazelles and other small antelopes. They favour open areas with room to accelerate, although grass and bushes help them hide during the approach.
Their claws retract only partly and improve grip during running. The long tail helps them change direction and balance while following prey that suddenly turns. The effort is so intense that the animal needs to rest afterwards. It must also protect its catch from stronger predators that may take it away.
Females usually live independently except when raising young. Males may form small groups, often made up of brothers. Cubs stay with their mother for many months, gradually learning to hunt and avoid danger.
Per bambini
A cheetah's body suits a short, fast run. Long legs and a flexible back help it take great strides. But it does not chase forever. First it watches the animal it wants to catch, then creeps as close as possible.
While it runs, its claws help it grip the ground. They do not retract completely like those of many other cats. Its long tail helps with turning and balance when prey suddenly changes direction. After such hard work, the cheetah needs to rest.
In the wild its prey includes gazelles and other small antelopes. It relies mainly on sight, so a good lookout spot is useful. A mother cheetah cares for her cubs for a long time and teaches them how to find food. Adult females usually live alone, while brothers may stay together in a small group.
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What lets a cheetah greatly lengthen its stride?
- Posizione
- Enclosure no. 52 on the Zoo Opole map.