Welcome to my presentation Mohammad Mehadi Hasan Faculty of Veterinary Science Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh , Bangladesh.
Cheetah(চিতা)
Nomenclature
Physical appearance Cheetah is built for speed.It has long, slim, muscular legs; small,rounded head set on a long neck, flexible spine, deep chest, non retractable claws,special pads for traction, long tail for balance, unique black tear Stripes,tawny or pale buffy coat(black spotted) Size:112-150 cm long; 67-94 cm wide at the shoulder and a 60-80 cm long tail. Weight:Male –54 kg ; Female – 43 kg
Male vs Female Cheetah male and female do not have different appearance. Males may be slightly larger in body size but they have the same basic build. Male and female cheetah behave differently.Males are more likely to be social. They tend to stick together in small groups with their brothers throughout their lives. All the males in the groupes Help defend a territory. Females on the other hand, are solitary except when they have young cubs.
Habitat Open and partially open savannas. It includes southern and east african countries(Namibia, Batswana,South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia)
Feed Antelopes Gazzeles
Location of reproductive organs
Reproduction and life cycle The male cheetah is ready to mate when they are about 1 year of age, in case of female, they take 2 years to do so. It breeds throughout the year and is an induced ovulator. Gestation : 90 – 95 days. Litter size : 3 – 5 cubs, rarely 8 cubs. Cubs are weaned at the age of six months . After siblings become independent from their mother they usually stay together for some time. Life span : 10 – 20 years.
How to restrain We can restrain it by immobilization using Dan inject gun and Dart syringe. For a complete reversible anesthesia, a combination of : medetomidine @ 35 microgram/kg butorphanol @ 0.2 mg/kg and midzolam 0.15 mg/ kg.
Dan inject gun Dart syringe
Cont’d It is very important to isolate the animal to avoid the risk of hitting other animals. After darting the animal, the operator should move from its sight but keep a watch over the darted animal. Adverse climatic cconditions like wind of high velocity affect the flight of dart.
Diseases AA amyloidosis : It has been found in as much as 70% of autopsied cheetahs in captivity. Osteochondrosis. Glomerulosclerosis. Feline leukemia. Myelopathy. Cutaneous ulcers. In captivity , high mortality due to stillbirth , birth defects, cannibalism, hypothermia.
Management of diseases There are three basic forms of management strategies exist for wildlife diseases ; prevention , control and eradication. Vaccination. Supply of proper diet.
Psychology They hunt early in the morning and in late afternoon. Female cheetah takes care of cubs until they reach 6 months of age. During this time, this mother teaches everything to the cubs ; when and how to hunt.
Interesting facts Cheetah are the only big cats that can not roar. They can purr and mostly they chirp like birds. They can spot prey from 5 km away in day time. Need to drink once every 3 – 4 days. Their black tear stripes act as an antiglare device ; that’s why sun light can’t disturb them during hunting.