Speedy Cheetahs
Slowly count to four---one . . . two . . . three . . . four. That's not a very long time. But four seconds is the time it takes a cheetah to move from a standstill to a run at more than sixty miles an hour.
Cheetahs are the fastest of all land animals. They have bodies built like running machines. Their large hearts pump extra blood, and their extra-wide nostrils take in a lot of air. Their long legs help them cover more than twenty feet with each stride, while their long tails balance and guide them. They even have grooved footpads and strong claws that help them grip the ground as they run.
Running sixty miles an hour takes a lot of energy. Cheetahs tire easily and cannot run long distances. Instead, they use quick bursts of speed to catch prey such as zebras, antelopes, and rabbits. Cheetahs run best when they move in a straight line, so an animal that makes twists and turns still might get away.
Like most big cats, cheetahs are an endangered species. Many live in the southern part of Africa near private ranching land. Some ranchers view them as pests, and thousands of cheetahs have been killed during the last decade. Efforts now are being made to protect and save these beautiful creatures. Perhaps one day you will have an opportunity to see these speedy animals in the wild.
No comments:
Post a Comment