Kruger National Park South Africa Mammals

A specialized, diurnal sprinter that hunts in open grasslands and is most visible where plains are open and prey like impala are abundant. Cheetahs are less nocturnal than many other big cats and are vulnerable to interference from larger predators in Kruger.

Slim, long-legged cat with a small head, distinctive black 'tear' streaks from eye to mouth, and evenly spaced solid black spots on a tan coat; tail has black tip banding. Watch for characteristic head-up surveying behavior on termite mounds before sprinting.

Common Confusions

• Leopard Panthera pardus Leopards are more robust and have rosettes rather than solid round spots; leopards climb and rest in trees more frequently.
• Serval Leptailurus serval Servals are much smaller with longer legs proportionally and larger ears; their spotted pattern and size differ from cheetahs.
• African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus Wild dogs have mottled coats and travel in packs with different body proportions—cheetahs are solitary or in small coalitions and have a distinctive build.
• Caracal Caracal caracal Caracals are medium-sized with tufted ears and plain coats without the cheetah’s tear marks and distinct spot pattern.
• Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena Striped hyenas have a coarse coat and different gait and are not fast, slender daytime hunters like cheetahs.