American cheetah

The American cheetah (Miracinonyx trumani) is a feline species of the genus Miracinonyx, originally living in North America during the Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million to 12,000 years ago) and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced to the modern open woodlands and grasslands of North America to help boost biodiversity. It is morphologically similar to the "true" cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), with a face shortened and nasal cavities expanded for increased oxygen capacity, and legs proportioned for swift running. However, these similarities are not inherited from a common ancestor, but are instead result from either parallel or convergent evolution. It is larger than a true cheetah and similar in size to a northern cougar. Body mass is typically around 70 kg (150 lb), with a head-and-body length of 170 cm (67 in), tail length around 92 cm (36 in), and shoulder height of 85 cm (33 in). Large specimens weigh more than 95 kg (209 lb). It is a predator of hoofed plains animals, such as the pronghorn. In fact, predation by American cheetahs is thought to be the reason pronghorns evolved to run so swiftly, their 60-mph top speed being much more than was needed to outrun other American predators, such as cougars and gray wolves. The American cheetah is among the fastest land animal, along with true cheetahs. Estimates of the maximum speed attained range from 80 to 128 km/h (50 to 80 mph). American cheetahs are active mainly during the day, whereas other carnivores such as jaguars and American lions are active mainly at night; These larger carnivores can kill American cheetahs and steal their kills; hence, the diurnal tendency of American cheetahs helps them avoid larger predators in areas where they are sympatric. In areas where the American cheetah is the major predator (such as farmlands in Northern California), activity tends to increase at night. This may also happen in highly arid regions such as the Death Valley, where daytime temperatures can reach 134 °F (56.7 °C). The lunar cycle can also influence the American cheetah's routine—activity might increase on moonlit nights as prey can be sighted easily, though this comes with the danger of encountering larger predators. Hunting is the major activity throughout the day, with peaks during dawn and dusk. Groups rest in grassy clearings after dusk. American cheetahs often inspect their vicinity at observation points such as elevations to check for prey or larger carnivores; even while resting, they take turns at keeping a lookout. The conservation status of the American cheetah is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the American cheetah's wide natural range.