International Cheetah Day – December 04

International Cheetah Day – December 04

Since 2010, the world has been celebrating the cheetah each December 4th as International Cheetah Day. International Cheetah Day encourages people around the world to help this animal win the race against extinction.

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is known as the fastest land mammal on the earth. It is a large cat native to Africa and Southwest Asia. It is the fastest land animal, estimated to be capable of running at 80 to 100km/h and as such has evolved specialized adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail. It is said that when they run at their full speed, their feet only touch the ground once every 6-7 meters. Adults weigh between 34 and 54 kg. Its head is small and rounded, with a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. The coat is typically tawny to creamy white or pale buff and is mostly covered with evenly spaced, solid black spots. Four subspecies are recognized.The cheetah is a carnivore that hunts small to medium-sized prey weighing up to 60 kg.Though one of the most significant parts of the world’s wildlife, Cheetahs are on the verge of extinction. There are only around 7,100 creatures in the wildlife today. According to various studies, the world has lost over 90% of the cheetah population over the past 100 years.

Cheetah genomes typically exceed 90% homozygosity ie. genetic similarity occurred due to inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity.

– Source: Internet –