LibGuides: Extinct American Cheetahs (Miracinonyx spp.) Fact Sheet: Summary (original) (raw)
Extinct American Cheetah (Miracinonyx inexpectatus) Fact Sheet
Extinct American cheetah, Miracinonyx spp_._
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.
| Taxonomy | Physical Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Describer: Cope 1895 (Miracinonyx inexpectatus) Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Miracinonyx Species: Miracinonyx inexpectatus Species: Miracinonyx trumani | Estimated Body Weight: 70 kg (156 lb) Head/Body Length: 170 cm (5.6 ft) Tail Length: 92 cm (3 ft) Height at Shoulder: 85 cm (33 in) |
| Distribution & Status | Behavior & Ecology |
| Range: Continental U.S., northern Mexico Habitat: Coastal savannah, mountain valleys and rocky slopes Status: Extinct | Locomotion: Slightly shorter, more robust lower leg bones than modern cheetah (not as fast running); better suited for short bursts of speed, climbing Activity Cycle: Unknown Social Groups: Unnown Diet: Medium sized ungulates such as pronghorn, mountain sheep, mountain goats Predators: Possibly American lion and Smilodon. |
| Reproduction & Development | Species Highlights |
| Longevity: Unknown; probably similar to modern cheetah - maximum about 14 years. | Feature Facts Genetic studies reveal that close relatives of the extinct American cheetah are the mountain lion Puma concolor) and the jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) |
About This Fact Sheet
© 2010 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
How to cite: Extinct American Cheetahs (Miracinonyx inexpectatus) Fact Sheet. c2010. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/ extinctamericancheetahs
(note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2015 Sep 10)
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