In large cats, the cheetah stands out as the fastest, reaching a top speed of 115 kilometers per hour, equivalent to 31 meters per second. It holds the title of the swiftest land animal among its feline counterparts.

When assessing the combat effectiveness among big cats, the cheetah, despite its unparalleled speed, emerges as the least formidable. Its reliance on speed becomes a double-edged sword, contributing to its vulnerabilities.

Every creature on Earth adheres to its survival strategy, and speed is its mantra for the cheetah. The cheetah boasts one of the highest success rates in predation, ranging from 30 to 40 percent.

However, this emphasis on rapidity has led to its physical form—long, slender limbs and a streamlined body—lacking the robustness of other big cats.

The cheetah's slim physique in the expansive African savannah leaves it vulnerable to larger predators such as lions and hyenas. Before indulging in a meal, the cheetah cautiously surveys its surroundings.

If potential threats are detected, the cheetah abandons feeding and seeks refuge in trees or bushes. Despite its prowess in speed, the cheetah finds a slight advantage in the African savannah beyond its ability to outrun competitors.

Despite its incredible sprinting capabilities, the cheetah suffers from dismal endurance. During high-speed pursuits, the cheetah can only sustain its pace for 2 to 3 minutes before succumbing to overheating.

To ensure successful prey capture, the cheetah must complete the chase within approximately one minute to avoid exhaustive strain on its body.

Viewers of wildlife documentaries often witness instances where a cheetah, seemingly on the verge of capturing prey, abruptly slows down and halts.

This behavior results from the cheetah nearing its physical limits, recognizing that further pursuit may lead to the inability to consume the catch.

Even if successful in the chase, the cheetah requires time to recover, leaving it vulnerable to opportunistic predators like hyenas, who may steal the food.

In addition to its frail endurance, the cheetah exhibits weak defensive capabilities.

The lack of physical strength makes it susceptible to fatal injuries, especially if kicked by a hoofed animal during the hunt. Such injuries can hinder its ability to run, potentially leading to starvation.

Moreover, the cheetah exhibits inadequate protection in its reproductive approach.

A typical cheetah litter consists of 4-6 cubs, but due to inadequate maternal care, only a single cub may survive to adulthood. The others often fall prey to lions, hyenas, and other predators, including vultures.

In the competitive world of survival, declaring the cheetah as the weakest among big cats may not be entirely accurate. Nature maintains a delicate balance, endowing each species with unique strengths and compensating for weaknesses.

With its unparalleled speed, the cheetah epitomizes grace in the natural order.

To thrive, it must leverage its strengths and navigate its weaknesses, ensuring survival and reproduction in the unforgiving tapestry of nature. In the relentless pursuit of survival, great power alone is futile; one must adapt, much like the extinct dinosaurs learned too late.