Where do Cheetahs Live?

The geographic area of the cheetah population is dwindling.  Today they are mainly found in sub-Sahara Africa.   Cheetahs mainly exist in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania, and Northwestern Iran.  These cats are now thought to be extinct in India and rare in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia.  

Cheetah Distribution

Cheetahs prefer open habitats with unobstructed views of their surroundings.  This allows for easier detection of prey as well as predators.  These open habitats occur in the tall grassy savanna's of sub-Sahara Africa.  Cheetahs also occupy some parts of deserts, light woodlands, steppes, and other semi-arid climates.  Cheetahs use their habitat well.  The are built for speed which is effective in open areas.  When stalking they use the camouflage of brush, shrub, and tall grasses.  Cheetahs share their habitat with several other large African mammals such as gazelles, giraffes, lions, hyenas, and impalas.

 Clumps of trees or bushes are an important part of the cheetah habitat. Many use trees as lookouts or vantage points.   Males are most likely to breed in these areas and females choose to give birth and raise cubs in these sheltered areas.

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