inspiration
beauty is often
survival in disguise
The science: Cheetahs need vast, open spaces to hunt, which is why they favour open grasslands and savannahs. As the fastest land animal, they can cover massive stretches of ground very quickly, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) in just a few seconds. But they can only sustain their top speed over short spans. They expend enormous amounts of energy on these high-speed chases, which push them to the point of exhaustion. This means they must rest for at least 30 minutes after each chase to regulate their bodies and replenish their energy. During this time, they’re at their most vulnerable and risk losing their prey to other predators or scavengers, like lions and hyenas. Because their speed and stamina work in such a delicate balance, cheetahs must be strategic in choosing when – and who – to hunt. The element of surprise is crucial; they have around a one in 10 chance of a successful kill without it, and a one in two chance with it. Especially in times of drought or after repeated failed hunts, as their energy wanes, identifying
the right prey could spell the difference between death and survival. This is where their eyesight becomes useful. Cheetahs can spot and identify prey and threats from up to five kilometres (three miles) away, and, at 210 degrees, their field of vision is nearly panoramic, making it easy for them to scan vast landscapes. You’ll often see them perched atop termite mounds or other small rises for a better vantage point. Unlike some big cats that hunt at night, cheetahs hunt in the daytime, often at dawn or dusk, and they’ve adapted unique mechanisms to help with this. The black streaks under their eyes, known as malar stripes, reflect sunlight, reducing glare, especially in open plains where it’s particularly harsh. An evolutionary adaptation, this enhances the cheetah’s hunting ability and chances of survival. Not only do they help the animal spot prey from afar, but also to hold focus on moving targets during a long-distance chase. Proof that, in nature, nothing is ever purely aesthetic.
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