Tree Climbing Cheetah Cubs!
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) have a very high mortality rate according to a research done in the Serengeti. In a 1994 study, nearly 77% of litters died before eight weeks of birth, and nearly 83% of those alive could not make it to adolescence (14 weeks). Lions emerged as the major predator of juveniles, accounting for nearly 78% of the deaths. The study concluded that the survival rate of cubs till weaning was a mere 4.8%. This was attributed to the open terrain of the region, which does not allow cheetahs to conceal themselves. Cheetah cubs face higher mortality than most other large mammals.
These beautiful cheetah cubs were busy playing with each other, sharpening their tree climbing skills, whilst mother was resting close by. Captured during a photography safari on an early morning game drive in the Ndutu Plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.
Tree Climbing Cheetah Cubs!
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) have a very high mortality rate according to a research done in the Serengeti. In a 1994 study, nearly 77% of litters died before eight weeks of birth, and nearly 83% of those alive could not make it to adolescence (14 weeks). Lions emerged as the major predator of juveniles, accounting for nearly 78% of the deaths. The study concluded that the survival rate of cubs till weaning was a mere 4.8%. This was attributed to the open terrain of the region, which does not allow cheetahs to conceal themselves. Cheetah cubs face higher mortality than most other large mammals.
These beautiful cheetah cubs were busy playing with each other, sharpening their tree climbing skills, whilst mother was resting close by. Captured during a photography safari on an early morning game drive in the Ndutu Plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.