Lykkers, have you ever thought that the fastest land animal—the cheetah—might also be one of the most vulnerable? We often admire its incredible speed, but what lies beneath that swift grace is a story of struggle, fragility, and survival.

Today, let's dive into why this "Ferrari of the animal kingdom" is often seen as the underdog among big cats.

Built for Speed, Not for Power

Unlike lions or tigers, cheetahs weren't built to dominate through force. Their claws can't fully retract like those of other big cats, making them less effective in fights. We notice their heads are smaller, their jaws less powerful, and their teeth—although sharp—aren't designed for snapping necks in one bite.

All of these physical traits point to one thing: the cheetah is a sprinter, not a fighter.

The Price of Being the Fastest

To achieve their legendary top speed of 70 mph (113 km/h), cheetahs had to give up a lot. Their bodies are slim, lightweight, and aerodynamically shaped, but these adaptations also mean they lack the brute strength needed in most wildlife confrontations. Their muscles are tuned for acceleration, not endurance or power.

We can almost see the trade-off: run fast or fight strong—but not both.

Hunting: High Speed, Low Success

Cheetahs hunt by chasing prey down, tripping it with a swipe of the paw, and biting the throat until the animal suffocates. But here's the catch: they can't hold onto their prey with powerful claws like leopards or lions. And their jaws don't have the crushing force to take down larger animals easily.

Even worse, their hunt success rate is under 40%. Every failed chase costs energy, and that energy is hard to replenish.

Speed vs. Stamina: A Constant Balancing Act

They may run fast, but only for 20 to 30 seconds at most. After a sprint, they're completely exhausted and need time to recover. Imagine catching a meal but not having enough strength left to defend it—that's often the reality for cheetahs. Hyenas, lions, and even leopards can steal their food.

We've seen cheetahs walk away from their hard-earned meals simply because they couldn't fight for them.

Outmatched on the Savannah

On the African grasslands, being fast isn't always enough. Cheetahs are often bullied by stronger predators. Hyenas attack in packs, stealing food. Lions don't hesitate to overpower them. Even leopards—close cousins—can be fatal rivals. What's more, cheetahs avoid scavenged meat, preferring fresh kills.

So once the meal is stolen, they don't go back for leftovers. It's not just about catching food—it's about keeping it.

The Silent Threat from Humans

It's not just the animals that challenge the cheetah's survival. Human interference is shrinking their territory. Local herders sometimes take their prey or even chase cheetahs away. In areas where prey is scarce, this adds even more pressure. Some cubs starve before ever learning to hunt. It's a rough start for a species already struggling to survive.

Survival of the Weakest?

Only about 5% of cheetah cubs survive into adulthood. Most are killed by lions or hyenas before they even have a chance to grow. A mother cheetah must move her cubs every few days to avoid detection. It's a dangerous, lonely journey, and she's always on high alert. Even when the cubs grow up, they still face the same risks their mother did.

Lessons from a Cheetah's Life

We may think of cheetahs as weak, but there's strength in their persistence. They keep trying, despite the odds. They survive alone, without the teamwork that benefits lions. They adapt. In their quiet, graceful way, they teach us resilience, independence, and the courage to keep running even when the world feels stacked against us.

What Can We Do, Lykkers?

Now that we know the cheetah's truth, it's time we think about how to protect this misunderstood animal. We can support conservation efforts, protect their habitats, and raise awareness. Most of all, we can admire them not just for their speed, but for their silent endurance.

Let's not let the world's fastest cat disappear quietly. What are your thoughts, Lykkers? Have you ever felt like the cheetah—fast in some ways, but struggling in others? Share with us. Together, we can stand up for the voiceless and keep their story alive.

The Science of a Cheetah's Speed | National Geographic

Video by National Geographic